Relations with Asean are China’s priority, says foreign minister as US also courts Southeast Asia

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said ties with Southeast Asia were a priority for China and called for “multilateralism with Asian characteristics”, as the country seeks to counter US moves in the region.

Wang said Beijing’s relationship with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations was the “most successful and active” in the region, during a virtual symposium on Wednesday marking 30 years of dialogue between China and Asean.