Li Keqiang vows China-ASEAN "diamond decade" (3)

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DISPUTES WON'T AFFECT CHINA-ASEAN RELATIONS

There exist some disruptive factors that are against stability and development in this region, but they are not the mainstream, Li said, adding that the South China Sea disputes are not an issue between China and the ASEAN, and they should not and will not affect the overall China-ASEAN cooperation.

China has always firmly held that the immediate disputing parties should seek sound solutions through friendly negotiations on the basis of respecting historical facts and international laws, said Li.

Li said that China will firmly prioritize ASEAN member countries in the country's peripheral diplomacy, firmly deepen the strategic partnership with the ASEAN, and cooperate with the ASEAN to jointly safeguard peace and stability in the region, including the South China Sea.

"We are facing various new challenges while the China-ASEAN strategic partnership will be conducive to facing and conquering these challenges. I believe that our mutual trust and confidence is unchanged," said Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

China and the ASEAN should work toward a "diamond decade" characterized by mutual benefit and better livelihoods for people, said Xu Ningning, deputy secretary-general of the China-ASEAN Business Council, while commenting on Li's speech.

"China and the ASEAN still have great potential for cooperation, especially in transportation, financial, maritime and other industrial sectors," Xu said.

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