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China, ASEAN Should Enhance Political Cooperation: Chinese Premier
Premier Zhu Rongji said November 25 that China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should continuously strengthen political cooperation.
Speaking at the summit between China and the ASEAN, Zhu said China appreciates the purposes and spirit of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The premier said that China is ready to maintain the momentum for exchange of high-level visits with ASEAN countries and conduct more multilateral and bilateral political and security dialogues and consultations.
China will continue to firmly support ASEAN in its efforts to establish a Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality and the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone, he said.
"We are ready to maintain close cooperation with ASEAN in regional and international affairs and support ASEAN's leading role in the dialogue and cooperation mechanism in East Asia," Zhu said.
The premier said that China is positive about the progress made up to now in consultations on the "Code of Conduct in the South China Sea."
"The Chinese side sincerely wishes to see an early conclusion of the consultations, which will help maintain peace and stability of the South China Sea region," Zhu said.
Heads of state or government of all the 10 ASEAN member countries --Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore -- attended the summit.
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