China, ASEAN must take their ties' healthy momentum forward

A series of high-profile interactions between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations this month has sent a strong signal to the rest of the world: The two sides are making joint efforts to deepen cooperation and prevent outsiders from interfering in regional affairs.

Premier Li Keqiang attended the 19th ASEAN-China leaders' meeting and the 19th ASEAN-China, Japan and the Republic of Korea leaders' meeting in Vientiane, Laos, on Sept 7. China has played important roles in both mechanisms, which, over the years, have served as major channels for regional integration.

On Sept 11, the 13th China-ASEAN Expo opened in Nanning, capital of South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. The annual event has become a major platform for China and ASEAN member states to showcase the fruits of their cooperation, ink new business deals and discuss ways to deepen their relationships.