China is ready to work with Russia to uphold the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) centrality and guard against interference by external forces, Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Jakarta on Thursday.

China and Russia firmly support each other in safeguarding their legitimate interests, adhere to the path of harmonious coexistence and win-win cooperation and jointly promote the multipolarity of the world and the democratization of international relations, Wang said.

The two sides should follow the important consensus reached between the two heads of state, maintain high-level exchanges, strengthen strategic communication and coordination, defend their respective national interests and uphold international justice, he said.

Noting that China and Russia are both dialogue partners of ASEAN, he said strengthening cooperation with the ASEAN countries is beneficial to forging consensus on regional development, promoting the process of multilateralism, and fostering regional prosperity and stability.

China is willing to work with Russia to support Indonesia and other ASEAN countries in grasping the correct direction of East Asia cooperation and safeguard the hard-earned peace and stability in the region, he said.

Lavrov said Russia is ready to work with China to implement the important consensus reached between the two heads of state, further strengthen strategic cooperation and deepen cooperation in various fields, promote the process of multi-polarization in the world, oppose hegemony and jointly support ASEAN centrality.

Both sides also exchanged views on strengthening coordination and cooperation under multilateral frameworks, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS. 

(Cover: Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, shakes hands with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Jakarta, Indonesia, July 13, 2023. /Chinese Foreign Ministry)