KUALA LUMPUR: China has voiced its support of Kuala Lumpur’s efforts to steer Asean in a time of shifting global dynamics and pledged to deepen East-Asian cooperation.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Beijing remains committed to Asean-centred regionalism and its guiding role in promoting peace and prosperity.
“China always regards Asean as a priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy.
“Asean-led East Asia cooperation mechanisms play an important role in promoting dialogue and cooperation among participating parties and safeguarding regional stability,” he said at a regular ministry briefing in Beijing on Friday night.
Guo noted China’s support to the theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability” under Malaysia’s chairmanship this year.
“East Asia is one of the regions with the greatest dynamism and potential in the world.
“China is ready to work with Asean and regional countries to discuss plans for cooperation and development, honour our original commitments, build consensus, enhance mutual trust, uphold true multilateralism and safeguard free trade and the multilateral trading system,” he added.
The 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits begin today until Tuesday under Malaysia’s Asean 2025 Chairmanship themed “Inclusivity and Sustainability”.
On the economic front, Guo said Beijing supports the ongoing upgrade of the China-Asean Free Trade Area and the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) as part of its broader regional integration agenda.
These frameworks, he added, “demonstrate our shared commitment to open regionalism and win-win cooperation”.
Guo stressed that China’s relationship with Asean has become a “model for regional cooperation in Asia”, based on mutual respect and trust built over three decades of partnership.
“As the world undergoes major changes unseen in a century, China stands ready to work with Asean to keep the region stable, open and prosperous.
“Together, we can make East Asia an anchor of peace and a new engine for global growth,” he added.
Premier Li Qiang, who is set to attend a series of Asean-related meetings tomorrow and Tuesday, is known as the Chinese premier with the most visits to Malaysia since taking office, reflecting the significance Beijing attaches to its ties with Malaysia.
Earlier in May, he was in Kuala Lumpur for the Asean-China-GCC Summit.
This made him the first Chinese premier to visit Malaysia twice in the same year.
Last year, he came to Malaysia as well.
Since Malaysia and China established formal diplomatic ties, five Chinese premiers have visited Malaysia.
The first was Li Peng, who set foot on Malaysian soil twice – in 1990 and 1997 – laying a foundation for bilateral cooperation.
Next came Zhu Rongji in 1999, followed by Wen Jiabao, who visited in 2005 and 2011.
Li Keqiang’s visit in 2015 further strengthened China’s strategic partnership with Malaysia under the Belt and Road Initiative.
