Ambassadors and diplomats from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have met with members of China's top political advisory body – the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, or CPPCC – in Beijing. They discussed regional ties and cooperation between China and ASEAN countries. You Yang has the details.  

Topics like "Consultative Democracy and National Governance", and "China and ASEAN: A shared destiny, building a home together" topped the agenda of the talks between CPPCC members and ASEAN nation's senior diplomats.

The Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC, Ma Biao hailed the long-lasting friendship between China and ASEAN nations.

Meanwhile, Zhu Yongxin, member of the Standing Committee and Deputy Secretary-General of the CPPCC National Committee, who is also Vice Chairman of Central Committee of China Association for Promoting Democracy, introduced China's consultative democracy system to the diplomats.

ZHU YONGXIN Deputy Secretary-General, CPPCC National Committee "In China, whether it is a national affair or problems encountered by ordinary people, we all try to solve them through negotiations. For example, how to balance economic development and environmental protection, or whether to set up a parking space in a specific community. We all listen to people's opinions through our consultative system."

China and ASEAN countries established a comprehensive strategic partnership last November. Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation and coordination in safeguarding peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world.

Ambassadors and diplomats from Indonesia, Brunei, Cambodia, Singapore and other ASEAN countries also took part in Friday's event.

DJAUHARI ORATMANGUN Indonesian Ambassador to China "I'm pleased to be given the opportunity to attend today's event and meet leading figures of the CPPCC and ambassadors as well as friends from China and ASEAN."

KHEK M CAIMEALY Cambodian Ambassador to China "The Cambodian government is looking forward to working closely with CPPCC to further promote and strengthen the friendship and cooperation between the two countries."

YOU YANG Beijing "Since 2018, the CPPCC has held several communication activities with ambassadors and diplomats from over 100 countries. The top political advisory body says this year's event aims to enhance mutual trust, while promoting the development of the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership. You Yang, CGTN, Beijing."