Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized that only when Asia is well, can the world be well. He pointed out that China has always regarded ASEAN as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy and is committed to making the surrounding region a pioneer zone for building a community with a shared future for mankind.
He said that China will continue to pursue the policy of building friendly, secure, and prosperous neighbors, upholding the concept of shared destiny, and working hand in hand with ASEAN countries to promote the Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness, and inclusiveness.
"At this important moment of global turbulence and change, faced with questions of unity or division, peace or conflict, cooperation or confrontation, we need to learn from history, actively advocate an equal and orderly world logic, inclusive and mutually beneficial economic globalization, and promote international order toward greater fairness and justice."
He made these remarks at the ASEAN-China Foreign Ministers' Meeting held during the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting (AMM) and related meetings.
Wang Yi said that this year is a milestone for ASEAN's development and revival. With the adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and with Timor-Leste about to join ASEAN, ASEAN is taking further steps toward unity and strength to tackle challenges cooperatively.
He said that this year has also been fruitful for China-ASEAN cooperation. Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia in April, elevating the building of bilateral communities with a shared future to a new level and making the bonds within the regional community of shared future even closer.
He said negotiations for version 3.0 of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement have been fully completed, and he looks forward to the formal signing of the protocol within the year. As for the ASEAN-China-GCC Summit, it paves the way for a new pattern of cross-regional cooperation, making strides in regional openness and collaboration.
"We have completed the third reading of the COC consultations, effectively managed differences, and safeguarded overall maritime stability. China has joined hands with Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand in combating transnational crimes such as gambling and telecom fraud, and security cooperation has deepened.
"For two consecutive years, we have held more than a hundred cultural exchange activities. The Lancang-Mekong visa and the ASEAN visa have been formally launched, making it more convenient for people to visit each other."
He expressed hope that ASEAN will work with China to advance a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future, and in the surging tide of the Global South, strengthen Asia's revitalization.