Phnom Penh (FN), Nov. 22 – ASEAN and China Leaders also reaffirmed their common resolve to take ASEAN-China Partnership to new heights, through further strengthening and expanding cooperation in areas as outlined in the adopted Joint Statement of the ASEAN-China Special Summit to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations: Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Security, Prosperity and Sustainable, according to the press release on the outcomes of the ASEAN-China special summit seen by Fresh News on Monday.
“They emphasized, among others, collaboration in digital economy and e-commerce, cyber and data security, closer partnership in science, technology and innovative development, new energy technologies and green investment, education, tourism and people-to-people exchanges,” the press release added.
“The Special Summit was conducted to review the milestone achievements in all areas of ASEAN-China dialogue relations over the past 30 years since 1991. ASEAN and China Leaders agreed to establish Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, in recognizing that ASEAN-China relations are among the most dynamic, substantive, and mutually beneficial, contributing to the maintenance of peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region.”
President Xi Jinping made a five-point proposal to enhance ASEAN-China relations, namely (1) to build peaceful home together, whereby China is ready to deepen cooperation in defense, transnational crimes, and to sign the protocol to the SEANWFZ Treaty; (2) to build a secure home together, with China’s commitment to support ASEAN health shield and strengthen effective cooperation on disaster management; (3) to build a prosperous home together, whereby China is to provide USD 1.5 billion development investment for the next 3 years and ready to work with ASEAN to fully tap into the RCEP and upgraded ASEAN-China FTA and increase support for human resource development; (4) to build a beautiful home together, which features greater cooperation on green development and blue economy among others; (5) to build amicable home together, through the promotion of tourism and people-to-people exchange, especially among the youth and young leaders.
“On political-security, ASEAN and China Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism, maintain an open and inclusive regional cooperation framework. ASEAN expressed appreciation to China for supporting ASEAN Centrality and ASEAN leading role in the evolving regional architecture to respond to regional and global challenges. The Leaders concurred to advance cooperation in the relevant areas identified in the AOIP to develop enhanced strategic trust and win-win cooperation among countries in the region,” the press release added.
“In addressing COVID19 impacts, the Leaders committed to enhance ASEAN-China post-COVID19 cooperation for long-term sustainable development, including through support for the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF). They shared the view that the early entry into force and implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), would accelerate economic recovery.”
During the Meeting, premier Hun Sen congratulated China on achieving its national development goal of building a moderately prosperous society and steady progress towards its second centenary goal. He also expressed appreciation to China for its active contribution to combating COVID19, revitalizing and boosting socio-economic growth in Cambodia as well as in the region and the world at large. He welcomed president Xi Jinping's Global Development Initiative as this would become a major support for developing countries in revitalizing the post-COVID19 socio-economic growth, and promoting human rights through sustainable development and poverty reduction. He expressed hope that the Initiative will complement and support the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
