China Sees 47th ASEAN Summit Achieving Positive Outcomes - Spokesperson

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- China views that the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits have yielded positive outcomes, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun.

He said China and ASEAN countries need to stand more firmly for solidarity and strength, pool greater effort, resist external disruptions, and defend the legitimate rights and interests through mutual support and coordinated actions.

“There is also a need to promote steady and sound economic growth through complementary cooperation, consolidate strategic mutual trust, work for deeper convergence of interests, build closer bond and continue to promote the building of an even closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future,” he said in a statement published on the China Foreign Ministry website today.

Quoting Premier Li Qiang on the China-ASEAN Summit, Guo noted that participating leaders of ASEAN countries noted that the ASEAN-China relationship has set an example of regional cooperation based on mutual respect and for mutual benefit.

He said the leaders also expressed the readiness to bring the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to a higher level.

Li attended the 28th China-ASEAN Summit, the 28th ASEAN Plus Three Summit, the 20th East Asia Summit and the Fifth Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Leaders’ Meeting on Oct 27 and 28.

On the ASEAN Plus Three Summit, Guo said China stands ready to work with all parties to seek greater synergy of development strategies, uphold openness and cooperation, continue unleashing economic potential, foster an environment conducive to regional development, and deepen collaboration on industrial and supply chains.

Earlier today, ASEAN and China signed the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade (ACFTA 3.0), marking a new phase of bilateral trade between the bloc and the world’s second largest economy. 

Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz and Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao signed ACFTA  3.0 in a ceremony witnessed by Anwar and Li. 

On Malaysia’s bid for full BRICS membership, Guo pointed out that BRICS is an important platform for cooperation among emerging economies and developing countries and source of strong impetus for multipolarity and greater democracy in international relations.

“We welcome Malaysia and more like-minded partners to join BRICS cooperation and jointly work for a more just and equitable international order,” he said. 

He said the platform is widely recognised by Global South countries and BRICS members values Global South partners’ positive willingness to join BRICS cooperation.

BRICS refers to a group of emerging economies that originally stood for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. 

Yesterday,  Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva voiced strong support for Malaysia's aspiration to become a full member of BRICS, emphasising that Malaysia is a natural partner with shared values and growing economic potential.

-- BERNAMA