Politics
19:03, 04-Aug-2017
ASEAN celebrates 50th birthday
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ASEAN foreign minister meetings are now in full swing in the Philippine capital, Manila. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will attend a gathering from Sunday through Tuesday marking the 50th anniversary of the organization's establishment.
What are the key issues on the ASEAN agenda for the next decade?
China’s envoy at ASEAN Xu Bu said, “Infrastructure is key to regional economic integration. Currently, there is a shortfall of 120 billion US dollars for infrastructure construction in ASEAN countries every year. The organization leaders have agreed to participate in China's Belt and Road Initiative to push forward the strategy to upgrade the vast regional infrastructure network.
“They also attached great importance to the diversification of trade development in East Asia. Many Chinese high-tech firms are setting their branches in this area. The move will not only help with the firms' overseas expansion, but also will create tens of thousands of jobs for local people.”