China, ASEAN share strong connection

China and the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations remain interconnected and interdependent not only in economic and trade ties, but also in regional security, according to ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn.

Attending an event in Jakarta marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on Friday, Kao mentioned the urgency of maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea, saying that ASEAN and Beijing should ensure the area remains a sea of peace, stability, friendship and cooperation.

"In essence, our security is profoundly interlinked and interconnected and its growing interdependence underscores the importance of ASEAN and China security cooperation," Kao said.

ASEAN highly values China's support for ASEAN centrality and unity, which together with interconnected security is a testament to the two sides' shared dedication to fostering a peaceful, stable and secure Asia Pacific, he said.

"Beyond our extensive economic ties, the cultural ties, and the people exchange between ASEAN and China, the deep historical roots spanning centuries remain a cornerstone of our relations," Kao.

Kao noted that the ASEAN-China relationship had evolved significantly from its humble beginnings in 1991 to establishing a comprehensive economic partnership in 2021.

"The important evolution spans a wide range of sectors," Kao said, noting geopolitical security, trade and investment, cultural exchange and collaboration, technology, education and health, sustainable development and environment, agriculture, and energy.

China's Ambassador to ASEAN Hou Yanqi stressed China's path of socialism with Chinese characteristics suits China's national conditions and has made China the world's second-largest economy.

Sound relations

"China has maintained sound relations and built partnerships with almost all countries in the world. The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence proposed by China 70 years ago has become widely recognized principles of international society and continues to play its role in the era," Hou said.

She said that China's vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind points the way for human society and will lead to peace, security and common development.

She noted the two sides are working closely to implement the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and upgrade the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement.

The Permanent Representative of Malaysia to ASEAN Sarah Nava Rani Al Bakri Devadason said her country appreciates China's unwavering support for ASEAN centrality and ASEAN community-building efforts.

"As the current country coordinator for ASEAN-China relations, Malaysia looks toward working closely with other ASEAN member states and China to further advance the ASEAN-China Comprehensive strategic partnership," Devadason said.

Noting this year is the ASEAN-China year of people-to-people exchanges, she said they play "an irreplaceable role in enhancing mutual understanding, friendship and trust, consolidating social foundation and public support, promoting economic and social development, and maintaining regional peace and stability".

In addition to China retaining its position as ASEAN's largest trading partner since 2009, Devadason lauded the sociocultural pillars established as foundations for cooperation in other fields.

Devadason noted the progress made by both sides on public health, science and technology, education, culture, environment, media, youth, social development, poverty reduction and disaster management.

The writer is a freelance journalist for China Daily.