BALI, Indonesia, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi positively commented on China-ASEAN relations, East Asia cooperation and ASEAN Regional Forum in a joint interview with Chinese reporters here Saturday.
This series of ASEAN foreign ministers' meetings have achieved positive results in promoting East Asia pragmatic cooperation, enhancing mutual trust between the countries, maintaining regional stability and boosting regional development, Yang told the reporters on the sidelines of the concluding ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers' Meeting here Saturday.
He said China has become the largest trading partner of the ASEAN and the cooperation between the two sides has been continuously deepened and expanded in various areas.
Promoting the process of regional economic integration and maintaining the momentum of Asian economic growth and vitality are common responsibilities that all Asian countries are facing, he said, adding that China and the ASEAN, as strategic partners, should continue putting the priority on maintaining regional peace and stability, and boosting common prosperity.
As to the development of the East Asia cooperation, Yang said the regional cooperation mechanisms in East Asia and Asia-Pacific should complement each other as they play an active role in promoting regional peace, stability and prosperity.
He proposed the related parties to continue advancing practical cooperation in various sectors with the objective of common development.
The East Asia cooperation should follow the principles of openness and inclusiveness, said the minister, adding that China welcomes the participation of the United States and Russia in the East Asia Summit.
Yang said East Asia cooperation should continue following the leading role of the ASEAN. He said he is confident that the ASEAN can point the right direction forward and safeguard the common interests of East Asian countries.
As to the role of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in maintaining regional security, Yang said the ARF is of great significance in enhancing mutual trust between member states, strengthening security dialogue and cooperation as well as promoting regional peace and stability.
He suggested deepening and consolidating confidence-building measures and carrying out cooperation in non-traditional security areas, such as anti-terrorism and combating transnational crimes, disaster mitigation, nonproliferation and security in the sea.
Regarding the South China Sea issue, Yang said China's stance has been consistent on the freedom of navigation and unblocked shipping lanes in the South China Sea.
The territorial disputes in the area should be settled by directly related parties through friendly consultation and negotiation and in a peaceful manner, he said. Freedom of navigation is one thing and the South China Sea dispute is another, he stressed.
China and ASEAN countries have reached an agreement on the guidelines of the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and the next step is to carry out pragmatic cooperation among parties concerned, Yang said.
