Wen: Koizumi won't own up to history
(chinadaily.com.cn/China Daily)
Updated: 2005-12-13 06:08

Trade between China and ASEAN grew by 23.5 per cent in the first 11 months of 2005 to US$117.24 billion, and China is the bloc's fourth largest trading partner.

China and ASEAN in 2002 agreed to establish a free trade area, and Beijing has also signed bilateral trade agreements with Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.

While highlighting China's commitment to Asia's financial stability, Wen said Beijing will keep the region's interests in mind during the process of reforming its renminbi exchange rate regime.

"In introducing this reform and adjustment, we have taken full account of both China's economic and financial stability and the impact of such reform and adjustment on the economic and financial stability of China's neighbours, the whole region, and the world at large," Wen said. "We will continue to do so in the future."

Given China's rapid economic rise as well as its increasing diplomatic clout, there have been worries that it could dominate the region.

Wen reassured other Asian leaders that Beijing had no such plans.

"China is committed to East Asia co-operation in the interest of fostering a harmonious, secure and prosperous neighbourly environment," said Wen, who called for increased co-operation in the energy sector with other countries to ensure global energy security and stability.

"China hopes that such co-operation will promote regional peace and prosperity and create a friendly international environment that will facilitate its development endeavour. China is proud to be a good neighbour, good friend and good partner of other Asian countries."

He acknowledged that the country was facing a range of problems including strains on the environment and resources, a development gap between urban and rural areas, and what he called "huge pressure" on employment.

Beijing against exclusive bloc in East Asia

Premier Wen Jiabao yesterday made it clear that China is opposed to building any self-enclosed or exclusive bloc in the East Asia region.

He also reassured leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that Beijing does not seek a leadership role in regional co-operation.