China-ASEAN Ties: Foreign ministers tackle COVID-19, economic recovery, South China Sea issue
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China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has been holding virtual meetings with his counterparts from across Southeast Asia discussing a series of issues ranging from the coronavirus to the South China Sea. Cao Bing reports.

ASEAN foreign ministers reaffirmed cooperation against COVID-19 and acknowledged China's support.

TEODORO LOCSIN, JR. Philippine Foreign Minister "ASEAN's relationship with China for almost three decades has been dynamic, wide-ranging and far-reaching. COVID-19 ravaging the region this year has only strengthened our partnership. We've strived our hardest to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic in numerous and in positive ways."

CAO BING Beijing "Both China and ASEAN countries agreed that the joint efforts in fighting against the novel coronavirus have achieved effective results, and will inject positive energy in promoting economic recovery in the region."

WANG YI Chinese Foreign Minister "We have shared our experiences, extended help to one another, and are putting the epidemic in our countries under control. We have set up a fast track for business people to facilitate travel as well as the transport of goods, to help companies resume operations."

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, ASEAN became China's biggest trading partner this year. In the first seven months, China's trade with ASEAN stood at 2.51 trillion yuan, or 362 billion US dollars, up 6.6 percent year on year, accounting for 14.6 percent of total foreign trade volume.

And trade between China and ASEAN and other economies is expected to grow further with a proposed free trade agreement in the Asia Pacific region.

WANG YI Chinese Foreign Minister "We will push for the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership by the end of this year, to boost confidence in restoring economic growth."

The foreign minister said China will continue to open up its markets, and help drive the world's economic revival through its own recovery. On the South China Sea issue, he reiterated China's commitment to negotiate the Code of Conduct with ASEAN to maintain peace, stability and security in the region.

2021 marks the 30th anniversary of dialogue between China and ASEAN. China and ASEAN countries hopes to take this opportunity to deepen and expand cooperation, and upgrade the relations to a new level. CB, CGTN.