Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (Photo: Xinhua/VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on October26 voiced willingness to bolster cooperation with the Association of SoutheastAsian Nations (ASEAN) during the 24th ASEAN-China Summit held virtually.
The Chinese premier underlined that China always regards ASEANas a priority in the country’s diplomacy, and backs ASEAN playinga more significant role in regional and international affairs.
He spoke highly of a summit commemorating the 30thanniversary of the ASEAN-China dialogue relations this year.
He added the two sides should promptly finalise negotiationson a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).
Li noted that, over the past year, China and ASEAN havesubstantively resumed negotiations of the Single Draft COC Negotiating Text andmade positive progress, despite the impact of COVID-19.
Regarding trade, China is willing to officially launch the joint feasibilitystudy to identify other areas for possible inclusion in further enhancing theASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA), the Chinese premier affirmed.
He noted that China and ASEAN countries need to harnesstheir strengths of geographical proximity and industrial complementarity topursue regional economic integration at a higher level./.
