China calls for cooperation and development with ASEAN

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for cooperation and development with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) when meeting separately with his counterparts from Japan and Russia on Thursday and from Singapore, Cambodia, Norway and Laos on Wednesday in Singapore.

FMs from China, Japan confirm the necessity of high-level exchanges

Wang and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono, who is also visiting Singapore to attend a series of ASEAN-related gatherings, agreed on Thursday to work together to realize Abe's visit to China later this year.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) meets with Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Singapore, Aug. 2, 2018. /Reuters Photo

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the signing of a friendship treaty between the two countries.

When Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo in May, Abe expressed a desire to visit China by the end of 2018. Li and Abe also pledged to make efforts to resume reciprocal visits by the two nations' leaders.

Sharing the view that stronger cooperation between Beijing and Tokyp will contribute to stability in the international community, Wang and Kono have confirmed the necessity of high-level exchanges.

The two ministers, meanwhile, agreed that it is important to maintain the free trade system, as some countries – the US in particular – have shifted toward unilateralism and protectionism.

Wang also discussed the situation on the Korean Peninsula with his Russia counterpart Thursday on the sidelines of a meeting of the ASEAN.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) meets with Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Singapore, Aug. 2, 2018. /Reuters Photo

China, Singapore to uphold multilateralism, free trade

Wang said on Wednesday that China is willing to cooperate with Singapore to send clear messages of adhering to multilateralism and fighting against unilateralism and trade protectionism.

Wang made the remarks while meeting with his Singaporean counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan ahead of the China-ASEAN foreign ministers meeting and the foreign minister meetings of the East Asia Summit.

The Chinese official appraised positively Singapore's part in pushing forward the bilateral ties between China and ASEAN as the China-ASEAN country coordinator for the past three years and made clear that China always supports the regional cooperative course of East Asia with ASEAN at its core.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) meets with his Singaporean counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan in Singapore, Aug. 1, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

"With growing uncertain and unstable factors in the world, we should make concerted efforts to ensure East Asia's peace and stability as well as maintain its momentum of marching forward," said Wang.

Balakrishnan, for his part, agreed that the two countries should stand out to combat against rising unilateralism and trade protectionism and uphold multilateralism as well as free trade and regional economic integration.

He also expressed appreciation for China in supporting Singapore's role as the ASEAN-China country coordinator and delivered positive remarks toward the vigorous development of ASEAN-China ties.

China, Cambodia vow to uphold multilateralism

China and Cambodia vowed to jointly uphold multilateralism to maintain peace and stability in the region.

When meeting with Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, Wang said in the current highly uncertain international circumstances, China and Cambodia, together with other countries in the region, shall utter a loud voice of supporting multilateralism, opposing unilateralism and protectionism.

Wang Yi (R) meets with Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, Aug. 1, 2018. /MOFA Photo

China and Cambodia should jointly maintain regional peace and stability and promote common development among countries, said the Chinese official.

He said that China and Cambodia need to keep close high-level exchanges, jointly push forward the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, and enhance cooperation in agricultural products, education, culture and other areas.

Wang said both China and Cambodia, as best friends and close partners, have made special and grand arrangements to celebrate this year, which marks the 60th anniversary of China-Cambodia diplomatic ties.

For his part, Prak Sokhon said Cambodia appreciated China's resolute support over the years, hoping China will continue its valuable support to Cambodia's stability and development in the future.

"Cambodia is willing to communicate with China closely, and join hands with China in maintaining multilateralism, international rules, and regional peace and stability," he added.

China, Laos to boost construction of Belt and Road Initiative

Wang also met with the Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith Wednesday in Singapore, noting that China and Laos have excellent relations.

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Laos last November and Lao President Bounnhang Vorachit visited China in May this year.

Wang Yi (R) meets with Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, August 1, 2018. /MOFA Photo

During the two visits, said the Chinese foreign minister, both sides reached a consensus on deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperation and outlined the guidelines to build a community of shared future with strategic significance.

Wang said China is willing to maintain high-level exchanges with Laos and boost the construction of key projects of the Belt and Road Initiative, including the China-Laos economic corridor and the China-Laos railway.

On the upcoming ASEAN-related foreign minister meetings, Wang said China is keen to work with Laos and other ASEAN countries to make the meetings focus on cooperation and development.

The Lao foreign minister expressed gratitude to China for promptly delivering condolence, aid workers and emergency assistance after the dam collapse disaster in southern Laos.

The Lao official said Laos is willing to implement the consensus reached during visits of President Xi Jinping and President Bounnhang Vorachit, advance the building of the Laos-China community of shared future and work together to maintain the regional peace and stability.

China, Norway pledge to maintain rule-based global free trade system

Wang also met with the Norwegian Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Soreide on Wednesday. He said China and Norway advocate free trade and both sides should accelerate negotiations for a free trade agreement to safeguard the rule-based global free trade system.

Wang said China and Norway should mutually respect each other's core interests and major concerns, and consolidate mutual trust so as to continuously develop bilateral relations.

Wang Yi (R) meets with Norwegian Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Soreide, August 1, 2018. /MOFA Photo

Soreide, for her part, said Norway is willing to strengthen communication and cooperation with China, and jointly maintain the rule-based international order and multilateral trade system.

Norway is delighted to see that both sides have made a rapid recovery and development after the normalization of bilateral ties, said the Norwegian foreign minister.

Norway respects China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and respects China's core interests and major concerns, she noted, adding that her country hopes to enhance high-level exchanges with China to boost cooperation in economy and trade, marine economy and winter sports.

Wang arrived in Singapore on Wednesday for the 51st ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and Related Meetings.

The opening ceremony of the foreign ministers' meeting kicked off on Thursday. Diplomats will discuss projects aimed at making the region more resilient and innovative. They will also exchange views on regional and international developments. Singapore is chairing ASEAN this year.

(Cover: The logo of the ASEAN Regional Forum held in Singapore, August 1, 2018./ VCG Photo)

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Source(s): Xinhua News Agency