In a recent meeting in Vientiane, Laos, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized China’s readiness to collaborate with regional partners to build an East Asian community under the ASEAN Plus Three mechanism. Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, highlighted the importance of unity and openness in advancing regional economic integration.
Addressing the ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Wang Yi stated that under the new circumstances, East Asia faces both challenges and opportunities. He acknowledged the ASEAN Plus Three mechanism as one of the most mature frameworks for regional cooperation, which has significantly contributed to practical cooperation across various fields over the past two decades, including addressing challenges like the financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.
He noted the successful holding of the China-Japan-ROK leaders’ meeting two months ago, where important consensus was reached on promoting East Asian cooperation, injecting new impetus into the ASEAN Plus Three collaboration.
In the face of global and regional challenges, Wang Yi expressed that regional countries have a stronger call for stable development and a more urgent need to address risks and challenges. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting ASEAN centrality in the regional architecture and deepening cooperation in traditional and emerging areas.
China proposed a four-point plan for the next stage of East Asian cooperation:
Deepening Economic Integration and Promoting Regional Connectivity. China supports greater regional supply chain connectivity and will host an ASEAN Plus Three industrial and supply chain connectivity conference this year. China aims to fully utilize the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), promote its high-quality implementation, accelerate negotiations on the China-Japan-ROK Free Trade Area, and continuously upgrade East Asian economic integration.
Strengthening Crisis Response Capacity and Maintaining Regional Stability. China welcomes the establishment of a rapid financing facility under the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralization and looks forward to enhancing the regional financial safety net. China has fulfilled its contribution to the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve Mechanism and is ready to explore innovative mechanisms to enhance regional food security.
Expanding Cooperation in Emerging Areas and Leading Regional Development. China is prepared to expand cooperation in digitalization and green transformation, implement the statement on developing an electric vehicle ecosystem, and host the ASEAN Plus Three Clean Energy Roundtable Dialogue to promote low-carbon economic development. China also aims to further leverage the role of the ASEAN Plus Three Small and Medium Enterprises Service Alliance.
Promoting Social and Cultural Exchanges to Build Regional Consensus. China supports enhancing the ASEAN Plus Three civil service cooperation mechanism, encourages more students from ASEAN countries to join the CAMPUS Asia Program, and plans to hold forums on immigration management and addressing aging populations. China aims to promote exchanges and cooperation in health, journalism, culture, tourism, youth, women, and think tanks to consolidate the social foundation for East Asian cooperation.
Foreign ministers of ASEAN countries at the meeting expressed high appreciation for the unique role and positive outcomes of the ASEAN Plus Three mechanism. They agreed to implement the RCEP in a high-quality manner to maintain economic and financial stability and ensure unimpeded supply chains. They expressed hope that the mechanism would continue to support regional resilience, food security, connectivity, and green development. Suggestions were also made on strengthening cooperation in smart agriculture, digital transformation, and crisis response.
Reference(s):
Wang Yi: China to build East Asian community under ASEAN Plus Three
cgtn.com
