Tang on Future Orientation of Sino-ASEAN CooperationWith set orientation, objectives and plans for the development of relations in the 21st century, China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will continue to work together in political, economic and security aspects, Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan said in Bangkok Friday.In his speech at the annual ASEAN-China Dialogue, Tang said China will maintain exchanges at various levels with ASEAN, and is ready to increase bilateral security dialogue with the regional grouping. He suggested that the two sides intensify joint efforts to advance mutual cooperation, such as economic, trade, investment, financial, scientific, technological and other fields. China would also like to discuss with ASEAN countries on ways to better incorporate its policy to develop its west region into Sino-ASEAN cooperation, he said. He expressed China's hope to strengthen coordination and cooperation with ASEAN in regional and international affairs, with priorities given to the 10+3 (ASEAN plus China, Japan and the Republic of Korea) cooperation, among others. Tang disclosed that Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji will attend the fourth East Asian leadership meeting, which he said demonstrates China's strong support to the East Asian cooperation. The Chinese foreign minister said he is happy about the "vigor and vitality" that Sino-ASEAN relations have shown at the turn of the century and both sides have made considerable progress in exploring a new-type bilateral relationship, which is based on good-neighborliness, mutual trust, dialogue and cooperation. |
| People's Daily Online --- http://www.peopledaily.com.cn/english/ |