China, ASEAN to upgrade FTA, solve disputes (2)

"China and ASEAN will endeavor to build a more comprehensive FTA to better benefit the companies and peoples, which will also inject new vitality to the regional free trade system building," Wang said.

In the three-hour meeting, the foreign ministers agreed to make construction plans for connectivity between China and ASEAN and identify major collaborative projects as soon as possible to achieve interconnection of sea, land and air networks.

In this regard, they agreed to consider setting up a platform of investment and financing to provide financial support for connectivity projects.

They agreed to make better use of the China-ASEAN maritime cooperation fund.

"China always hopes to share with neighboring countries its fast development and shows great sincerity in this regard. The development of China-ASEAN cooperation will also push forward domestic cooperation among ASEAN members, as well as the cooperation between ASEAN and other countries," said Ruan Zongze, a researcher with the China Institute of International Studies.

Ruan said China's hosting of the special meeting showcased sincerity to strengthen the strategic partnership.

Former Chinese ambassador to Thailand, Singapore and Nepal Zhang Jiuhuan told Xinhua that upgrading the China-ASEAN free trade zone is the objective but is multifaceted, notably in terms of political trust.

The meeting also discussed disputes between China and some ASEAN members over the South China Sea and reaffirmed that an appropriate solution would be reached through consultation and China-ASEAN cooperation.

The two sides decided to hold the 6th China-ASEAN Senior Officials' Meeting and the 9th Joint Working Group Meeting on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) from Sept. 14 to 15 in Suzhou, an industrial hub in east China's Jiangsu province.

The meeting will explore the implementation of the DOC in a comprehensive and effective way, discuss maritime pragmatic cooperation among China and ASEAN members and arrange consultation on the code of conduct in the South China Sea under the framework of thorough implementation of the DOC.

"There will be no development without peace. The fast growth of regional economic integration is due to peace and stability in the region. We should cherish the regional peace," Wang said.