Chinese premier calls for building an Asia of peace, openness

Chinese premier calls for building an Asia of peace, openness during the 27th ASEAN+3 Summit in Laos.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang stated on Thursday that China is prepared to collaborate with ASEAN, Japan, South Korea, and other Asian nations to uphold a sense of “Asian consciousness,” embrace Eastern wisdom, and work steadily towards establishing a peaceful, prosperous, open, and interconnected Asia.

Li made these comments during the 27th ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Summit in Vientiane. He acknowledged that while APT cooperation has progressed over the past year, challenges remain, such as instability and uncertainty. He emphasized that Asian countries share common interests, opportunities, and values, which unite them in their efforts.

Li reiterated China’s commitment to enhancing APT cooperation, supporting ASEAN’s central role in the region, and ensuring long-term stability and development. He called for fostering a positive regional environment based on mutual respect, solidarity, and support, with the goal of generating broader public backing for APT cooperation.

He also stressed the need for continuous efforts to boost regional development resilience, improve industrial stability and competitiveness, and implement the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement effectively. Additionally, Li expressed China’s desire to resume negotiations on the China-Japan-ROK Free Trade Area.

Li further highlighted the importance of driving regional innovation and implementing programs focused on digital, artificial intelligence, green development, and supply chain cooperation, all aimed at fostering new growth drivers and optimizing the economic structure for sustainable development.

Leaders attending the summit acknowledged the growing complexity and uncertainty in global affairs. They underscored that APT cooperation has played a key role in promoting regional stability and development and now faces new opportunities for growth. The leaders called for unity, adherence to multilateralism, and the preservation of common Asian values.

They emphasized the need for stronger cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, finance, digital economy, public health, and the green economy. Additionally, they stressed the importance of safeguarding the security and resilience of industrial and supply chains and enhancing regional connectivity and economic integration.

The leaders also urged joint efforts to tackle global challenges like climate change, food security, and energy stability, contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity both in Asia and globally.