Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Thursday called for strengthened collaboration among Asian countries to build a region characterized by peace, openness, and shared prosperity. Speaking at the 27th ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Summit in Vientiane, Li emphasized China's readiness to work with ASEAN, Japan, the Republic of Korea (ROK), and other Asian nations to uphold the Asian consciousness and advance toward common goals.
"China is ready to work with ASEAN, Japan, the ROK, and other Asian countries to uphold the Asian consciousness, carry forward the Oriental wisdom, and steadily move forward toward building an Asia of peace and tranquility, common prosperity, openness, and interconnectivity," Li stated.
He noted that over the past year, cooperation within the APT framework has made significant progress across various fields, despite facing factors of instability and uncertainty. Emphasizing the shared home, interests, opportunities, and values among Asian countries, Li called for continued efforts to foster a favorable regional environment.
Li urged all parties to uphold the principles of mutual respect, solidarity, and mutual assistance, and to consolidate public support for APT cooperation. He highlighted the importance of enhancing the resilience of regional development by improving the stability and competitiveness of regional industrial systems and implementing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement with high quality.
"China looks forward to accelerating the restart of China-Japan-ROK Free Trade Area negotiations," Li added, underscoring the need to invigorate regional innovation. He advocated for the promotion of exchange and cooperation programs in digital technology, artificial intelligence, green development, and supply chain management, aiming to foster new growth drivers for cooperation, optimize the economic structure, and boost momentum for sustained development.
The APT Summit serves as a significant platform for dialogue and cooperation among ASEAN member states, China, Japan, and the ROK, focusing on strengthening regional integration and addressing common challenges.
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Chinese premier calls for building an Asia of peace, openness
cgtn.com
