Visits by Xi, Li show importance of ties

Premier Li Keqiang will embark on his first trip to the Southeast Asian nations closely following President Xi Jinping's visit to the region, a high frequency experts say shows Beijing's "unprecedented emphasis" on nurturing good relationship with its neighbors.

From Oct 9 to 15, Li will attend the East Asia leaders' meetings in Brunei, the chair nation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and pay official visits to Brunei, Thailand and Vietnam.

The visit will be the premier's first trip to the Southeast Asian nations after assuming office in March, and Vice-Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin told reporters on Monday the seven-day tour is "an important installment" in China's diplomacy with its neighbors.