China and ASEAN: Together for a Shared Future in the New Era H.E. Mr. HUANG Xilian Ambassador of People's Repubulic of China to ASEAN

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1 China and ASEAN: Together for a Shared Future in the New Era H.E. Mr. HUANG Xilian Ambassador of People's Repubulic of China to ASEAN

2 A New Era for China-ASEAN relations Three aspects of this topic: 1. How to understand China s ASEAN policy in the new era 2. Why is ASEAN so important to China 3. How to take China-ASEAN relations forward in the new era

3 1. How to understand China s ASEAN policy in the new era?

4 China's annual Two Sessions being held in Beijing China-ASEAN cooperation has become one of the most successful and dynamic model in the Asia Pacific region. In 2018, we will continue to give the highest priority to cooperation with ASEAN. Foreign Minister Wang Yi commented on China-ASEAN Relations at the Press Conference

5 China s basic policy towards ASEAN in the new era One priority: China takes ASEAN as a priority partner in its neighborhood diplomacy. Two further: China will further promote a higher level of strategic partnership and further forge a closer community of a shared future with ASEAN. Three supports: China supports ASEAN community building, supports ASEAN s Centrality in regional cooperation, and supports ASEAN s bigger role in international and regional affairs.

6 It's strongly supported by Chinese diplomatic theories and principles Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence Forging a new type of international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness, justice, and win-win cooperation Building a community of shared future for all humankind Following the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness as well as the policy of forging friendship and partnership with the neighbors

7 It's also grounded in rich diplomatic practices and embodied in many tangible diplomatic actions First non-asean country to sign the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia First to establish strategic partnership with ASEAN First to initiate free trade negotiations with ASEAN Maintain financial stability in Asian financial crisis in 1998 Support ASEAN in international financial crisis in 2008

8 2. Why is ASEAN so important to China?

9 Geography & Culture Linked by rivers and mountains, with similar cultural memories and customs Most of China s trade, including about 82% of oil imports passing through the region Official and people-to-people exchanges dated centuries back Home to the largest overseas Chinese community

10 Politics & Security Important platform for China to participate in regional affairs and sub-region cooperation, e.g. Lancang- Mekong & East ASEAN Growth Area Cooperation Partners to formulate regional rules, e.g. DOC & COC Partners to address regional non-traditional security challenges, e.g. financial security, maritime safety, disaster relief, environmental protection

11 Economy & Trade Partner to maintain economic globalization China-ASEAN FTA is China's first and biggest FTA Upgraded FTA & RCEP negotiation Major trading partner and investment destination Two-way trade exceeded US$500 billion, an increase of 14% Huge opportunities for Chinese businesses The seventh-largest economy, annual growth rate of 5% Embrace the digital economy, e-commerce and e-payment

12 International Cooperation Priority area in China s Belt and Road Initiative All ASEAN countries are founding members of the China-initiated AIIB Major infrastructure projects kicked off, e.g. Jakarta- Bandung High Speed Railway, China-Laos Railway and China-Thailand Railway Source of inspiration for China s reform and opening up Important destination for Chinese companies and personnel going abroad

13 3. What should we do to promote the development of China-ASEAN relations in the new era?

14 Further deepen strategic trust and build higher level of strategic partnership 15th anniversary of China-ASEAN strategic partnership Higher level of strategic partnership in version 2.0 New Asian security concept of "common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable" Accelerate the COC consultation process Open and inclusive regional security architecture

15 Further enhance synergy of development strategies and push cooperation to a higher level China-ASEAN Strategic Partnership Vision 2030 Better align the Belt and Road Initiative with the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, particularly the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025

16 Further strengthen people-to-people links and foster a common sense of a community of a shared future ASEAN countries are main outbound tourist destinations for the Chinese people 40 million visits now, 50 million visits on the way Enhance exchanges in education, tourism, sports, culture, and among youth, think tanks and the media

17 Further promote regional integration process towards an East Asian economic community Promote the implementation of the China-ASEAN FTA agreement Explore the establishment of the China-ASEAN economic community Speed up the RCEP negotiation process Early completion of East Asian Economic Community Lancang-Mekong River Economic Belt Explore new cooperation patterns within the framework of the BIMP-EAGA

18 Conclusion Celebration of the 15th anniversary of the establishment of China-ASEAN strategic partnership The importance of ASEAN to China will be increased China s support for ASEAN will be increased The depth and breadth of China-ASEAN relations will be increased

19 Thank you!