Highlights of premier's speeches at Asia summits

Major highlights of Premier Li Keqiang's speeches at summits held in Myanmar in a single day on Thursday:

At the 17th ASEAN-China Summit:

Though disputes exist between China and some ASEAN countries regarding the South China Sea, this does not affect overall stability, and freedom and safety of navigation in the South China Sea is guaranteed.

ASEAN is a priority in the Chinese government's neighborhood diplomacy, and China firmly supports the building of the ASEAN Political-Security Community and the Economic Community and Socio-Cultural Community, as well as supporting ASEAN's central role in East Asia cooperation.

First, we need to work closely to develop a grand strategy for the growth of China-ASEAN relations. China is willing to offer ASEAN countries $10 billion of concessional loans to boost practical cooperation in various fields between the two sides. China is willing to negotiate and conclude a treaty of good-neighborliness, friendship and cooperation between China and ASEAN countries. Next year, China will offer less-developed ASEAN countries 3 billion yuan ($489 million) of assistance without charge to support efforts at narrowing the development gap within ASEAN.

Second, we need to work together to build an upgraded China-ASEAN Free Trade Area and hopefully to conclude the negotiations before the end of 2015. In the coming three years, China will set aside 30 million yuan in support of economic and technical cooperation under the FTA framework.

Third, we need to speed up the building of a basic connectivity network. China will start fundraising for the second phase of the China-ASEAN Investment Cooperation Fund totaling $3 billion. The China Development Bank will also set up a $10 billion special loan for infrastructure development.

Fourth, we need to foster new highlights in maritime cooperation. China proposes that next year be designated the year of China-ASEAN maritime cooperation. The two sides may discuss the holding of such events as a maritime cooperation forum attended by maritime ministers of relevant countries, more dialogue and cooperation between the maritime law-enforcement bodies and the establishment of a maritime cooperation center.

Fifth, we need to ensure "double security" in traditional and nontraditional areas. China welcomes ASEAN defense ministers to attend the Informal ASEAN-China Defense Ministers' Meeting in China next year.

Sixth, we need to actively explore new areas of cooperation in people-to-people exchanges, science and technology and environmental protection. We are willing to promote implementation of the Science and Technology Partnership Program and support 100 young scientists from ASEAN countries to conduct short-term research in China in the next three years.

At the 17th ASEAN Plus China, Japan and ROK Summit:

I wish to announce that China would like to be the lead country for the implementation of the recommendations for East Asia connectivity, trade and investment, and poverty alleviation.

We stand for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the maintenance of long-term peace and stability on the peninsula and in Northeast Asia. We support countries in continuing to peacefully resolve disputes through dialogue and consultation.

To enhance ASEAN Plus Three cooperation, I wish to propose the following:

First, advance East Asia economic integration. China proposes to co-host with Malaysia an East Asia investment summit next year, and we look forward to your participation.

Second, upgrade financial cooperation in the region.

Third, achieve closer connectivity. China will step up coordination with Japan and the Republic of Korea, tap into the strengths in capital, technology and human resources and work with ASEAN to enhance infrastructure building. China will contribute 30 million yuan to the success of the East Asia Maritime Cooperation Platform.

Fourth, deepen cooperation to improve people's well-being. China proposes a cooperation initiative on poverty alleviation in East Asia and will offer 100 million yuan for a plan to facilitate poverty alleviation in rural areas.

Fifth, expand channels for people-to-people and cultural exchanges. Next year, China will allocate 65 million yuan from the Asia Regional Cooperation Fund to support regional exchange and cooperation projects.

Sixth, enhance cooperation in public health. We suggest ASEAN Plus Three national health institutions step up communication and cooperation regarding treatment and control of the Ebola virus to gain experience and improve APT public health systems.

At the 9th East Asia Summit:

China has always acted as an important force for peace and stability in the region. We are firmly committed to the path of peaceful development. This is determined both by our history and cultural tradition and by our immediate fundamental interest of achieving modernization, and shall remain unchanged regardless of outside interference or suspicion.

China was the first ASEAN dialogue partner to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, and it stands ready to become the first dialogue partner to sign with ASEAN a treaty of friendship and cooperation.

China firmly supports ASEAN countries' efforts to build a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Southeast Asia and has reached agreement with ASEAN on signing the Protocol to the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty.

Based on its own needs and to honor its due responsibility as a major developing country, China will work hard to address climate change and deliver on its commitments in meeting the targets of energy conservation and emissions reduction.

China is open to negotiations on the TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership).

The China-ASEAN Maritime Cooperation Fund, with a total value of 3 billion yuan, is a major platform for the two sides to advance maritime cooperation in various fields.