KUALA LUMPUR: China has thrown its full support behind Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship and the region’s inclusive, sustainable vision, pledging to deepen East-Asian cooperation and strengthen the Asean-led regional order.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Beijing remains firmly committed to Asean-centred regionalism and its guiding role in promoting peace and prosperity.
“China has always regarded Asean as a priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy.
“Asean-led East Asia cooperation mechanisms play an important role in promoting dialogue and cooperation among participating parties and safeguarding regional stability,” Guo said at a regular ministry briefing in Beijing on Friday (Oct 24) night.
He said that China also supports the summit’s theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability” under Malaysia’s chairmanship this year, recognising Kuala Lumpur’s efforts to steer the bloc in a time of shifting global dynamics.
“East Asia is one of the regions with the greatest dynamism and potential in the world.
“China is ready to work with Asean and regional countries to discuss plans for cooperation and development, honour our original commitments, build up consensus, enhance mutual trust, uphold true multilateralism and safeguard free trade and the multilateral trading system,” he added.
The 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits will take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from Sunday (Oct 26) to Tuesday (Oct 28).
On the economic front, Guo said Beijing supports the ongoing upgrade of the China-Asean Free Trade Area and the high-quality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) as part of its broader regional integration agenda.
These frameworks, he said, “demonstrate our shared commitment to open regionalism and win-win cooperation.”
Guo stressed that China’s relationship with Asean has become a “model for regional cooperation in Asia”, underpinned by mutual respect and trust built over three decades of partnership.
“As the world undergoes major changes unseen in a century, China stands ready to work with Asean to keep the region stable, open and prosperous.
“Together, we can make East Asia an anchor of peace and a new engine for global growth,” he said.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang is set to attend the upcoming series of Asean-related meetings.
Li holds the record as the Chinese premier with the most visits to Malaysia since taking office, reflecting the significance Beijing attaches to ties with Malaysia.
He will take part in the 28th Asean Plus Three Summit, the 20th East Asia Summit and the fifth RCEP Leaders’ Meeting, all taking place on Monday and Tuesday.
The Premier is on his second visit to Malaysia this year at the invitation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Li was in Kuala Lumpur for the Asean-China-GCC Summit from May 26 to 28, also at the invitation of Anwar in his capacity as the Asean Chair for 2025.
The Chinese Premier will undertake a two-day visit to Singapore before arriving in Malaysia.
