Chinese defense minister urges China, ASEAN to expand common maritime interests

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun on Thursday called on China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries to expand common maritime interests with a long-term vision.

Dong made the remarks when attending the 11th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus.

He urged joint efforts to carry out maritime security cooperation in a flexible and diverse manner and enhance the ability to jointly safeguard maritime security, so as to contribute to regional and world peace and stability.

Noting the Asia-Pacific region remains generally stable, Dong warned against the risk of being drawn into geopolitical conflicts and called for joint efforts to "protect our beautiful homeland."

China is willing to work with all parties to firmly consolidate ASEAN centrality and support the improvement and upgrading of the existing cooperation framework, Dong said.

Urging unity of regional countries and resolving issues through dialogues, Dong expressed opposition against provoking disputes, resorting to force, forming cliques or bringing in external forces.

Dong said the parties need to deepen defense and security cooperation, promote the implementation of the Global Security Initiative in the region and build a closer security community.

(With input from Xinhua)