At the opening ceremony of the 21st China-ASEAN Expo and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in Nanning, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China’s Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang emphasized China’s commitment to deepen practical cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and build a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future.
Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, highlighted the long-standing friendly relations between China and ASEAN, noting that both have been good neighbors, good friends, and good partners. He stated that the cooperation model between China and ASEAN is one of the most successful and dynamic in the Asia-Pacific region, serving as a vivid example of promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
Ding affirmed China’s advancement in building a great modern socialist country through its path to modernization, which he believes will bring significant opportunities to the world.
He reiterated China’s adherence to the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness in neighborhood diplomacy, and expressed willingness to elevate strategic mutual trust with ASEAN countries. Ding called for joint efforts to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, aligning development strategies, and enhancing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.
He encouraged both sides to advance open cooperation by effectively implementing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP), accelerating negotiations for version 3.0 of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, and enhancing cross-border industrial and supply chains.
Ding also urged the fostering of a new pattern of comprehensive connectivity by jointly building the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and advancing key economic corridors and projects.
In the realm of science, technology, and innovation, Ding proposed the joint implementation of the China-ASEAN science and technology innovation enhancement program, construction of platforms such as joint laboratories, and sharing of innovative achievements for the benefit of the people on both sides.
Moreover, he emphasized the importance of people-to-people exchanges, suggesting that the China-ASEAN Year of People-to-People Exchanges be an opportunity to deepen cooperation in culture, tourism, training, and youth engagements, solidifying public support for bilateral relations.
Leaders from ASEAN countries, including Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim via video address, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers of Cambodia Vongsey Vissoth, Deputy Prime Minister of Laos Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Vietnam Ho Duc Phoc, and Secretary-General of ASEAN Kao Kim Hourn, also addressed the opening ceremony.
Following the ceremony, Ding toured the exhibition hall and engaged with exhibitors.
Reference(s):
China to work with ASEAN to build closer community with shared future
cgtn.com
