Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Friday put forward a three-point proposal to enhance East Asia cooperation, emphasizing the need to uphold peace and tranquility, pursue mutual benefit and win-win results, and promote openness and cooperation. His remarks were made during the 19th East Asia Summit held in Vientiane, Laos.
Addressing leaders from across the region, Premier Li highlighted that the world has entered a new period of turbulence and change, with global economic recovery lacking momentum. He noted that in this context, the principles of peaceful coexistence, established 70 years ago, remain more valuable than ever.
“In a world of changes and chaos, peaceful coexistence is even more valuable,” Li said, underscoring the importance of equality, mutual respect, and shared pursuit of stability for Asia’s rapid development. He called on all parties to draw wisdom from the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence to uphold international fairness and justice.
Three-Point Proposal for Cooperation
Premier Li’s proposal centers on three key areas:
- Upholding Peace and Tranquility: He urged all parties to support an ASEAN-centered, open, and inclusive regional architecture. Li emphasized the importance of regional security governance based on extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits.
- Pursuing Mutual Benefit and Win-Win Results: Li expressed China’s willingness to work with all parties to implement the Global Development Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping. He encouraged increased investment in areas such as green transformation and the digital economy, which are needed by regional countries, to achieve universally beneficial and inclusive development.
- Promoting Openness and Cooperation: He advocated for the comprehensive and high-quality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), accelerating the building of the Asia-Pacific Free Trade Area, advancing regional economic integration, and avoiding the politicization of economic and trade issues.
Premier Li also called for regional countries to remain vigilant against actions that could endanger stability and increase the risk of conflict. He stressed China’s commitment to abiding by international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and following the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.
Commitment to Regional Stability
Li highlighted that China has always insisted on resolving differences with the countries concerned through dialogue and consultation, actively carrying out practical cooperation at sea. He mentioned that China and ASEAN countries are actively promoting consultations on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, striving for its early conclusion.
“Countries outside the region should respect and support the efforts of China and regional countries to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea,” Li said, urging them to play a constructive role in regional peace and stability.
The East Asia Summit serves as a vital platform for dialogue on strategic, political, and economic issues of common interest and concern. This year’s summit brought together leaders from the ASEAN member states and key partners to discuss ways to advance regional cooperation and address shared challenges.
Reference(s):
Chinese premier presents three-point proposal on East Asia cooperation
cgtn.com
