Senior diplomat gatherings push for free trade, stability

Senior diplomats including State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for bolstering rules-based free trade and tackling protectionism at annual gatherings concerning East Asian cooperation in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday.

The gatherings included the annual ASEAN+3 foreign ministers' meeting, which involves all 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations plus China, Japan and the Republic of Korea.

At the meeting, Wang called on countries to resolutely champion multilateralism and free trade and push for a conclusion of negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership deal before the end of the year.

He also called on beefing up the East Asia region's financial stability, infrastructure, smart cities cooperation, sustainability efforts and cultural exchanges

All attending parties agreed to support multilateralism and free trade and stay true to the belief of openness and inclusiveness, and they offered advice on cooperation about deepening innovation and sustainable development, the Foreign Ministry said.

ROK Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha said that "cohesion and synergy among the main initiatives enhance linkages in our region".

"Amid rising global political and economic uncertainties, cooperation among the ASEAN+3 countries is required more than ever before," Kang said.

"Due to rising protectionism, trade tension and economic uncertainty, the global economy is forecast to face strong headwinds and an overall downward trajectory," she added.

Wang also attended a separate meeting held later on Friday — the annual East Asia Summit foreign ministers' meeting, which brings together dignitaries of 18 countries — all 10 ASEAN members, China, Japan, ROK, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Russia and India.

At the gathering, Wang called on parties involved to secure the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its center, and said unilaterally imposed sanctions or additional tariffs are not helpful to resolving of trade issues.

Thai Foreign Minister Don Pra­mudwinai said that bolstering free trade was mentioned throughout the discussions.