Phnom Penh, 5 August 2022 (TDI): Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, presented four proposals on promoting East Asian cooperation at the ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers’ meeting.
He mentioned that over the past 25 years, cooperation among the ten nations of the ASEAN and China, Japan, and South Korea has deepened.
The countries have established the goal of building an East Asian community. They also have built the world’s largest free trade area in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
This also promoted the integration of East Asia’s industrial and supply chains and interests.
He mentioned that today’s world presents various opportunities from rapid changes in the international landscape. States are observing speedy advancements in technology and industrial development.
Chinese Foreign Minister also stated that considering this scenario, the ASEAN cooperation is now at a critical period to build on the past and look ahead to the future.
Proposals for cooperation
Chinese Minister presented four principles to achieve new progress in East Asian cooperation.
The first is the planning of a blueprint for East Asia’s long-term development.
China supports adopting a new five-year work plan for ASEAN cooperation. This will provide general guidance for and add new impetus to future cooperation.
The second is the promotion of regional economic integration. The Chinese side is willing to set up a special donation for the RCEP economic and technical cooperation.
China is also willing to work with relevant countries to push forward the integrative development of regional industrial and supply chains.
Third is the elevation of crisis management capabilities. The Chinese side supports the construction of a 10+3 emergency medical supplies reserve center.
It also supports the establishment of a disaster management ministerial-level meeting mechanism. Fourth is guiding regional transformation and development.
He also called for expanding exchanges and cooperation in digital infrastructure, e-commerce, digital logistics, and smart cities. This will facilitate regional digital transformation and accelerate green development in the region.
At the meeting, all parties fully recognized the significant role of ASEAN cooperation in regional countries’ success.
