Efforts encouraged to jointly build China-ASEAN community with shared future

China is willing to work with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in building a community with a shared future and further implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, a top Chinese diplomat said on Wednesday.

In a special address delivered at the 37th Asia-Pacific Roundtable: Crisis in an Interregnum, China's Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing said China is willing to join hands with Malaysia and other countries to further implement the three global initiatives and build a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future.

The forum, which is being held June 4 to 6 in Kuala Lumpur, was convened by the Institute of Strategic & International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia on behalf of the ASEAN Institutes of Strategic and International Studies (ASEAN-ISIS) -- a network of some of the biggest policy institutes and think-tanks in the Southeast Asian region.

Ouyang said China has reached an important consensus with Malaysia and six other countries across the region in jointly building a closer community with a shared future.

Ouyang said China and ASEAN countries enjoy close geographic proximity, cultural intimacy and support ASEAN centrality and the development of ASEAN in playing a big role in regional and international affairs.

"Firstly, we should focus on the common development and the jobs that turn the region into a model of the GDI cooperation caring for their practical needs and long-term goals. GDI aims to foster a new momentum for the global common development," he said.

Ouyang said China is willing to explore the best ways to synergize the GDI with ASEAN's Community Vision 2045 and accelerate negotiations on the China ASEAN free trade areas region 3.0.

Moreover, China is also ready to cooperate with the ASEAN countries to effectively implement the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

Ouyang said GSI advocates cooperation that respects a country's sovereignty and territorial integrity and abides by the principles of the UN Charter, and is committed to peacefully resolving differences through dialogue and consultation.

Noting that this year marks the 70th anniversary of China's Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, with its principles consistent with the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, he said China is ready to work closely with ASEAN countries in coping with security challenges through dialogue and partnership.

For example, China is working with ASEAN countries in implementing the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea to jointly maintain the peace and stability of the region.

With regards to GCI, he said GCI respects diversity, common values of humanity, innovation and people-to-people exchanges.

prime@chinadailyapac.com