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CHINA’S Foreign Minister Wang Yi has emphasised that Asia’s stability is a cornerstone of global peace, reaffirming Beijing’s commitment to ASEAN as a diplomatic priority amid the accelerating influence of the Global South.
“In this time of global change, facing choices of unity or division and peace or conflict, we must learn from history and promote a fair, orderly world with inclusive economic globalisation,” Wang said in his opening address at the ASEAN-China Post-Ministerial Conference, held alongside the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) on Thursday.
The session was chaired by Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan in his role as Chair of the 58th AMM.
Wang underscored China’s continued adherence to the principles of good-neighbourliness, peace, and shared prosperity, noting that cooperation with ASEAN remains central to advancing values of “peace, cooperation, openness and inclusiveness”.
He described 2024 as a milestone year for ASEAN, citing the adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and the imminent accession of Timor-Leste as signs of growing regional cohesion and resilience.
“This year also marks a fruitful year for China-ASEAN cooperation,” Wang added, pointing to the conclusion of negotiations for the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) Version 3.0, with the signing of the protocol anticipated later in the year.
He also highlighted the inaugural ASEAN-China-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, which was held during the 46th ASEAN Summit in May, as a breakthrough in cross-regional collaboration.
“We have finalised the third reading of the Code of Conduct (COC), effectively managing differences and safeguarding overall maritime stability,” he noted, referring to ongoing efforts in the South China Sea.
Wang added China had expanded regional security cooperation with countries including Myanmar, Laos and Thailand, particularly in tackling online gambling, scams, and other forms of transnational crime.
He cited President Xi Jinping’s recent visits to Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia in April as key diplomatic engagements that had “elevated bilateral ties and deepened people-to-people connections”.
“For two consecutive years, we have hosted over a hundred cultural and people-to-people exchange programmes.
“The Lancang-Mekong visa and ASEAN visa have been officially implemented, greatly facilitating travel for family visits and personal exchanges,” he said. - July 10, 2025
