China eyes more maritime cooperation with ASEAN

Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi attends a ceremony launching the maritime cooperation year between China and the ASEAN, held on the sidelines of the 2015 Boao Forum for Asia, in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, March 28, 2015. China hopes all-round maritime cooperation with the ASEAN will become a model for building the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi said here on Saturday. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

BOAO, Hainan, March 28 -- China hopes all-round maritime cooperation with the ASEANwill become a model for building the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, Chines State Councilor Yang Jiechi said here on Saturday.

Yang made the remark at a ceremony launching the maritime cooperation year between China and the ASEAN, held on the sidelines of the 2015 Boao Forum for Asia.

Yang said China is willing to work with all countries involved to establish a win-win maritime partnership and strive for early progress.

During his meeting with Tanasak Patimapragorn, Thai deputy Prime Minister, Yang called for enhancing cooperation in railway and agriculture between China and Thailand.

Tanasak Patimapragorn said his country backs the "belt and road" initiative and will actively engage in its construction and beef up economic and trade cooperation with China.

According to Tanasak Patimapragorn, ASEAN countries are willing to enhance maritime cooperation with China and enhance Asian connectivity.

The two officials also agreed to celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties to enhance friendship between people of the two countries.