星期四, 四月 21, 2005

People's Daily Online -- China-ASEAN cooperation to advance to a higher level

China-ASEAN cooperation to advance to a higher level



President Hu Jintao will visit three ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) nations--Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines from April 20 to 28. During the period, the president will participate in the activities marking the 50th anniversary of the Asian-African Bandung Conference and attend the Asian-African Summit Meeting. This attractive neighboring diplomatic activity will further advance the sound development of the China-ASEAN relations in the new historical period.

Both sides felt the inspiring situation emerged in the China-ASEAN ties after the conclusion of the Cold War-Along with China's peaceful development, the relationship between China and Southeast Asian countries also witnessed a leapfrog development trend. During the 10-odd years, China resumed diplomatic ties with Indonesia in 1990, established diplomatic ties with Singapore in 1991 and improved relations with Vietnam. By the end of last century, China and ASEAN nations reached a consensus on devoting efforts to establishing a neighborly, mutual-trust partnership geared to the 21st century. Alongside the improvement and advancement of bilateral relations, the overall China-ASEAN relationship had also advanced to a new stage year after year. By the end of 2003, China had basically built up a framework of cooperation with ASEAN. Politically, China and ASEAN were devoted to establishing a strategic partnership; in security, China acceded to the "Amiable Cooperative Treaty of Southeast Asia", both sides jointly observed the "Declaration on the Conducts of Various Parties on the South China Sea" and strengthened cooperation in the field of non-traditional security; economically, both sides decided to set up a China-ASEAN free trade area comprising a population of 1.8 billion before 2010. The "Barter Trade Agreement" signed by both sides at the end of 2004 marked a breakthrough progress achieved in negotiation on the free trade area. In addition, China has since 1997 actively supported ASEAN-led regional cooperation of East Asia, making China the strongest promoter of 10+3 cooperation, that is, cooperation between the 10 ASEAN member states plus China, Japan and the Republic of Korea.

At present, the relationship between China and ASEAN is in the best period. It tells the world's people with the reality of the actual international relations: China's peaceful development is not a threat, but is an opportunity for the small and medium-sized Southeast Asian countries. This historical progress comes from China's neighboring strategy known as "coexisting with neighbors as partners, and treating neighbors with goodwill" and represents a concrete fruit of the Chinese policy of "bringing harmony, security and prosperity to neighbors". In response, ASEAN nations also face China's rapid development with an active attitude and dance with China in a psyche of adaptability, adjustment and cooperation. At the moment, the common task facing China and ASEAN is how to promote mutual relationship to develop in depth. In other words, on a new historical platform both sides need to sketch a blueprint for future cooperation in the next five to 10 years.

President Hu's current visit is a strategic task aimed at China-ASEAN future relationship of mutual benefit and win-win result, which is an expression of the further implementation of the policy of building amiable, tranquil and prosperous neighbors. For instance, Brunei, the smallest Southeast Asian country, will approach the subject of energy cooperation with China, which will benefit both sides. Indonesia is the largest and most populous country in Southeast Asia, as well as the biggest Muslim country in the world. Indonesian President Susilo Bambang will sign with President Hu in Jakarta a declaration on building a bilateral strategic partnership. The Philippines is the only country composed mainly of Catholics in the Southeast Asian region, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo designated June 9, the day of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines as the "Day of Sino-Philippines Friendship" during her first tenure of office. In March this year, China, the Philippines and Vietnam jointly signed an agreement on conducting seismic survey in the South China Sea region, which marks the first step taken for common development on the South China Sea. It is believed that leaders of China and the Philippines will further push forward bilateral friendly relations.

President Hu's trips to three Southeast Asian countries will open a new chapter on China-ASEAN relationship.

This is an article carried on the first page of People's Daily Overseas Edition on April 20 and translated by People's Daily Online


People's Daily Online -- China-ASEAN cooperation to advance to a higher level

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