Illustrative image (Photo: Internet) Jakarta (VNA) – Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN Deng Xijun has highly valued ASEAN’s cooperation in the fight against COVID-19 as well as post-pandemic economic recovery.
In his article entitled “Working together to elevate China-ASEAN relations to higher level”, which was published ahead of the 53th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM-53) and related meetings, Deng said China and ASEAN are among main drivers of East Asia cooperation, which has been fully evidenced by the joint fight against the pandemic in recent months.
Specifically, Chinese and ASEAN leaders conducted frequent “cloud diplomacy” to provide confidence, support and political guidance when they are most needed.
The Special ASEAN 3 Summit on COVID-19 and the China – ASEAN Special Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on COVID-19 were held at critical junctures, boosting confidence and directing the right way forward for regional anti-pandemic cooperation.
"To work concertedly against the pandemic and stabilise economic and social order, China and ASEAN have carried out regular exchanges at multi-levels in health, economy, trade, transportation, information, disaster management, among others. All these efforts point to the building of a comprehensive anti-pandemic cooperation front," the diplomat wrote.
In order to take care of social and economic recovery both during the pandemic and in the post-pandemic era, China and ASEAN countries, including Singapore, Laos, Myanmar and Indonesia have established “fast lanes” and “green lanes” for personnel and goods movement, respectively.
China has resumed direct international flights with Vietnam and some other ASEAN nations. China has been actively exploring with ASEAN countries the establishment of fast and green lane networks between China and ASEAN and in East Asia at large. Both sides are working on a regional financial safety net that stabilises regional supply and industrial chains as well as financial sector, according to the ambassador./.
