Xi wants ASEAN's understanding of China

BEIJING, Aug. 26 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday called for understanding and support from the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) on China's major concerns while meeting with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in Beijing.

Lee is on an official visit to China from Sunday till Saturday at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Xi said China attaches great importance to the development of friendly cooperation with Singapore, calling on both sides to increase political mutual trust, coordinate their development strategies and deepen cooperation in economic and trade, finance, culture and social management, so as to promote the stable and healthy development of bilateral ties.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the strategic partnership between China and the ASEAN.

Mutual respect, understanding and support are the most precious wealth in the China-ASEAN relations, Xi said, noting that China will stick firmly to the path of peaceful development.

The president said China will continue to foster good-neighborliness and partnership with ASEAN countries to consolidate the strategic partnership.

Noting that the international financial crisis is the biggest challenge facing East Asia, he said countries should focus on deepening cooperation as well as common development, and try to create a regional environment of peace, stability, equality, mutual respect and win-win.

Singapore and China share broad common interests, Lee said, adding that the country will firmly pursue a friendly policy toward China.

He said Singapore will further give play to the role of the China-Singapore Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation and expand cooperation with China in finance, sustainable development and economic transformation.

Singapore takes a positive view of China and believes that China's development is an important opportunity for ASEAN and the region. Singapore will continue to participate in China's development and construction.

He said China is an important dialogue partner for ASEAN and ASEAN is willing to enhance friendly relations with China.

Singapore is ready to play a positive role in boosting ASEAN-China ties and jointly promote peace, stability and prosperity in the region, said the prime minister.

China is dedicated to the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, said Xi, adding that the country will continue to deepen its reform and opening up policy and speed up the transformation of economic development mode.

He said China has the confidence to maintain healthy economic development and is willing to cooperate with countries around the world to achieve common development.