China will work together with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to build a closer community with a shared future, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of dialogue between China and ASEAN. In the past 30 years of cooperation, China and ASEAN have established "a shared belief in solidarity, equality and mutual assistance," Wang said. 

Earlier in January, Wang made a six-day visit to Southeast Asia, which has enhanced the unity between China and ASEAN countries in a wide range of areas, including COVID-19 vaccines, economic recovery and regional stability.

The 30th anniversary marks a new starting point, from which China is ready to open up another 30 years of even greater cooperation, Wang said.

'Walking with two legs' on South China Sea issue

Regarding the South China Sea issue, Wang stressed that China and ASEAN countries should continue to "walk with two legs."

China and ASEAN countries need to "remove distractions and press ahead with consultations on the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea," and continue to "fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea in order to build consensus, enhance mutual trust, advance cooperation and maintain overall stability in the South China Sea," Wang said. 

Wang made the remarks at a virtual press conference on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress, China's top legislature. The conference was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Read more: Highlights: Wang Yi briefs media on China's foreign policy, diplomatic relations