ASEAN, China discuss connectivity, closer cooperation at Belt and Road

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‍A session aimed at boosting China-ASEAN relations took place on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing on Monday.

Chinese and foreign participants of the event discussed topics such as ASEAN at its 50th Anniversary and China-ASEAN Relations, The Belt and Road Initiative and ASEAN 2025, and Advancing China-ASEAN Relations through Media Cooperation.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of ASEAN. The forum, hosted by the Mission of the People’s Republic of China to ASEAN, Beijing Review and the Pangoal Institution, aims to strengthen collaboration and cooperation between China and ASEAN through the media, promote the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, and deepen China-ASEAN relations.

AKP Mochtan, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs /Beijing Review Photo

AKP Mochtan, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs, noted the achievements of the bloc over the past 50 years and spoke of its significance in strengthening regional security, promoting regional economic integration, social inclusiveness and harmony, and realizing sustainable development.

Various cooperation agreements and mechanisms between China and ASEAN have brought new opportunities for Sino-ASEAN relations, which he compared to “a red string of fate” which will never break.

ASEAN connectivity dovetails with the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, all leading to common prosperity, he added.

Li Yafang, president of Beijing Review /Beijing Review Photo

Li Yafang, president of Beijing Review, one of the organizers' of the session, highlighted the key role ASEAN can play in the Belt and Road.

“ASEAN’s advantageous location and long trade ties with China have made it important for the Belt and Road Initiative…China will share opportunities and tackle challenges together with ASEAN to achieve common development and prosperity," she said.

With distinguished guests from all over the world, the Belt and Road Forum demonstrates China’s determination to open up to the outside world and play a more significant role in global affairs, Yu Hongjun, a former vice minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, also noted in a speech to delegates.

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