Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi Photo: fmprc.gov.cn

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Friday that China and ASEAN countries should fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), ensure that differences and disputes are properly managed by parties directly concerned through dialogue and consultation, and promote consultations on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.

Wang also called on both sides to safeguard long-term peace and stability in the South China Sea, practice true multilateralism and open regionalism together and jointly participate in global governance.

Wang made the remarks when attending a reception to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of dialogue relations between China and ASEAN, according to a statement on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

As this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of dialogue relations between China and ASEAN, the two sides should cherish the valuable experience accumulated over the past 30 years, and build a closer community with a shared future, said Wang.

The comments were made as extraterritorial countries like the US and UK have been intervening in the matter by smearing China on the South China Sea and sending warships to the region to flex their military muscles and show off presence on their own agenda, which, experts said, harms regional peace and stability. 

Since the establishment of relations in 1991, China and ASEAN have embarked on a path of unity and win-win cooperation, making important contributions to regional and world peace, stability, development and prosperity, Wang added.

Thirty years on, Wang is encouraging the two sides to create a more favorable strategic environment for the development of respective countries and long-term peace and prosperity of the region.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, China has provided more than 300 million doses of vaccines and a large amount of anti-epidemic supplies to 10 ASEAN member countries, and also expanded vaccine R&D as well as production cooperation, Wang said. 

Wang stressed that the two sides should uphold high-level guidance and deepen strategic communication and political mutual trust, so as to draw a new blueprint for the long-term development of the relations.

Wang also called for fostering new areas of practical cooperation, vigorously exploring emerging fields such as digital economy, scientific and technological innovation, and the blue economy to promote regional green transformation and sustainable development.