China to Expand Cooperation with Southeast Asian Countries
Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji emphasized the importance of cooperation with Southeast Asian countries in various fields, including economic, trade, scientific, and technological development, at the informal summit with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Manila. This cooperation aims to strengthen links between China and the ASEAN Free Trade Area, the ASEAN Free Investment Area, and support the development of the Mekong River Basin. Zhu stated that China will continue to support and cooperate with ASEAN countries in regional and international organizations to establish a new, just, and rational world order.
Key Takeaways:
- China will expand and deepen its cooperation with Southeast Asian countries in various fields, including economic, trade, scientific, and technological development.
- China will strengthen links with the ASEAN Free Trade Area and the ASEAN Free Investment Area.
- China supports the development of the Mekong River Basin.
- China will maintain and increase friendly contacts with ASEAN countries at various levels and through various channels to enhance mutual understanding and trust.
- China and ASEAN countries will continue to support and cooperate with each other in regional and international organizations.
- China has an independent foreign policy of peace and does not seek hegemony.
- China will forever share weal and woe with the vast number of developing countries.
Statistics:
- China has pursued an independent foreign policy of peace.
- More and more countries have seen that a developed China will not pose a threat but contribute to regional and world peace and prosperity.
- ASEAN was founded in 1967.
- ASEAN groups 10 countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Sources:
- XINHUA
- COMTEX (http://www.comtexnews.com)