China, ASEAN capable of safeguarding peace

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN - China and ASEAN members have reached consensus that the two sides are fully capable of maintaining peace and stability in the region, including on the South China Sea, visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Sunday before wrapping up a five-day visit.

In a joint interview with Chinese media outlets, Wang said the shared idea was the most important consensus achieved during his four-nation tour which took him to Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei.

During the four-nation tour, China and the four countries have defined the directions of future bilateral cooperation, in view of each other's development strategy, Wang said.

China and the four ASEAN members have also agreed that the overriding theme of their relationship is neighborly friendship, mutually beneficial cooperation and common development, Wang said.

Agreement has also been reached on solving differences between nations via an adherence to friendly negotiation and mutually beneficial cooperation, the Chinese foreign minister said.

Wang described his visit as a tour of communication and cooperation, saying it has sent a signal that China, with a new leadership, attaches great importance to its ties with neighboring countries and places ASEAN at a prioritized position in its relations with surrounding neighbors.

From a strategic perspective of promoting multi-polarization in the world and common progress in developing nations, China offers staunch support for ASEAN and its integration endeavor, Wang said.

China is willing to enhance its strategic partnership with ASEAN, vigorously push forward key projects of connectivity and maritime cooperation, and jointly contribute to regional peace and prosperity, he added.