To Present the Themes of Solidarity, Cooperation and Development

——Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi Talks about Premier Wen Jiabao's Attendance of the Series of Meetings for East Asian Leaders and Visit to Brunei

From Nov. 17 to 21, 2011, Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council attended the series of meetings for East Asian leaders held in Bali, Indonesia, including the 14th China-ASEAN (10+1) Leaders' Meeting and the Summit on the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations, the 14th ASEAN Plus China-Japan-ROK (10+3) Leaders' Meeting, the 6th East Asia Summit and China-Japan-ROK Leaders' Meeting. He also paid an official visit to Brunei during the trip. As Premier Wen's trip was coming to an end, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi introduced the accompanying journalists Premier Wen's trip and its outcome.

Yang said that Premier Wen's trip was a major diplomatic move taken by the Chinese leader in the context that the unstable and uncertain factors in the world economy were on the rise, the regional and international situation was going through complex changes, the external environment for the development of East Asia was getting severe, and the East Asian cooperation was at a critical stage of development. This trip consolidated the traditional friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between China and ASEAN, promoted the healthy and steady development of East Asian cooperation, and deepened the friendly relations with Brunei and other countries. It displayed a confident, open and responsible image of China and was of important significance to creating a favorable external environment, especially surrounding environment, for the development of China.

Yang said that in the five-day trip, Premier Wen attended a total of nearly 30 multilateral and bilateral activities. Premier Wen delivered many important speeches centering on the relationship between China and ASEAN, ASEAN's cooperation with China-Japan-ROK, China-Japan-ROK cooperation, the East Asia Summit and other relevant topics at the series meetings for East Asian leaders. In his speeches, he made a comprehensive review of the development course of East Asian cooperation and made in-depth analysis of the current situation and main tasks of East Asian cooperation. He clearly stated China's positions and viewpoints on the future development of East Asia cooperation and put forward important initiatives on deepening East Asian cooperation. He delivered positive messages of China's pursuit of the foreign policy of building an amicable relationship and partnership with the neighbors and China's adherence to the concept of peaceful development, mutual benefit and collective wins. He pushed the meetings to focus on the themes of solidarity, cooperation and development. His trip achieved positive results and was highly appreciated by the participating parties. Premier Wen also had extensive contacts with leaders of other participating countries, had an in-depth exchange of views with them on bilateral relations, East Asian cooperation and other topics of common interest, and reached many important consensuses. During the visit to Brunei, Premier Wen met with the leaders of Brunei and had an in-depth exchange of views with them on deepening good-neighborly friendship and promoting pragmatic cooperation. The two countries signed a number of cooperation documents and drew up a blueprint for future development of bilateral relations. Premier Wen was also actively engaged in public diplomacy and had a cordial exchange of views with youth students in Brunei. International and regional media paid high attention to Premier Wen's trip and considered that China's peaceful development presented opportunities for East Asia and promoted peace, stability and prosperity in Asia and even the world.

Yang said that Premier Wen's trip had a rich agenda, was productive and achieved a complete success.

I. Having deepened the friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation with ASEAN

Yang said that the China-ASEAN Leaders' Meeting this year is also the summit on the 20th anniversary of the establishment of China-ASEAN dialogue relations, which was of great significance. It is the common aspiration of China and ASEAN countries to further enhance mutual trust, deepen cooperation, and promote development for it is in line with the common interests of all parties. In a positive, friendly and pragmatic atmosphere, Premier Wen and the leaders of ASEAN countries reviewed the tremendous achievements of bilateral relations over the past two decades and planned the direction and priorities for future cooperation.

In his speech, Premier Wen spoke highly of the success and significance of China-ASEAN relations. He said that as strategic partners for peace and prosperity, China and ASEAN have engaged in extensive exchanges and cooperation in various areas and at a level unseen in the past and have formed a community of common destiny sharing a common stake. The tremendous achievements made jointly by China and ASEAN have contributed significantly to improving people's wellbeing in the region and the lofty cause of peace and development and have produced far-reaching impact on the progress of Asia and the world at large. In the current situation, both China and ASEAN should be both confident and sober-minded. China and ASEAN should keep the destiny firmly in their own hands and move toward the set direction and goals. The two sides should strengthen strategic communication and mutual trust, take economic development and social progress as a top priority, adhere to ASEAN centrality in promoting East Asian cooperation, and safeguard the common interests in the multilateral field.

Premier Wen made 6 initiatives on deepening China-ASEAN pragmatic cooperation: expand cooperation in trade and investment; give high priority to interconnectivity and other infrastructural development; deepen financial cooperation; expand practical maritime cooperation (China will establish a China-ASEAN maritime cooperation fund); advance cooperation in science, technology and sustainable development (and designate 2012 as the year of China-ASEAN science and technology cooperation); further strengthen cooperation in social areas and areas important to people's livelihood. Premier Wen said that China-ASEAN relationship has a solid foundation, huge potential and bright prospects. China will forever be a good neighbor, good friend and good partner of ASEAN. China will work closely with ASEAN to implement all the agreements, bring more benefits to the people and make greater contributions to peace and prosperity in the region.

Premier Wen speech and initiatives are frank, sincere, pragmatic, widely welcomed and highly recognized by the leaders of ASEAN countries, who appreciated China for the long-term adherence to the foreign policy of building good neighborly relationship with neighboring countries, taking concrete actions to support the development of ASEAN countries and ASEAN integration, and supporting ASEAN's leading role in regional cooperation. They expressed the willingness to render each other mutual support and work in close cooperation with China to deepen strategic mutual trust and seize opportunity to raise the overall level of cooperation.

The meeting issued the "Joint Statement of Commemorative Summit", which laid down the comprehensive plan for China-ASEAN cooperation in various fields and would help to further promote China-ASEAN strategic partnership for peace and prosperity.

II. Having promoted the healthy development of East Asian cooperation

Foreign Minister Yang said that over the years, East Asia has formed various mechanisms such as ASEAN, 10+1, 10+3, China-Japan-ROK, and the East Asia Summit, which have been growing in parallel. Premier Wen repeatedly stressed during the meetings that the East Asian cooperation should maintain the centrality of ASEAN, highlight the themes of development, mutual benefit and collective wins, and enhance the cohesion and dynamisms of 10+1 and 10+3 mechanisms. This is of great significance to achieving sustained economic growth, improving people's livelihood and maintaining stability of East Asia. Premier Wen also made a number of important initiatives on boosting regional pragmatic cooperation. His speeches and initiatives were generally agreed by the parties. The leaders of the participating countries considered developing economy and improving people's livelihood a top priority of East Asian cooperation, supported ASEAN's leading role in East Asian cooperation, and would continue to push forward East Asian cooperation with 10+1 as the foundation and 10+3 as the main channel.

At the 10+3 meeting, Premier Wen spoke highly of the progress of 10+3 cooperation as well as the important role played by 10+3 cooperation in helping East Asian countries address the financial crisis and maintain economic growth. He pointed out that the next-phase cooperation should focus on the following four areas: accelerate regional trade liberalization and facilitation; further enhance regional financial cooperation; increase investment in interconnectivity construction and lay a foundation for advancing the integration of East Asia; strengthen cooperation in science and technology, new energy, environmental protection, food security, health and other areas, drive the transformation of regional economic development mode and boost sustainable development. Premier Wen stressed that next year marks 15th anniversary of the 10+3 cooperation process. "We have to take this opportunity to further strengthen our confidence, solidarity and cooperation and bring 10+3 cooperation to a higher level." The leaders generally agreed that 10+3 cooperation is the most dynamic mechanism for East Asian cooperation. The countries should earnestly implement the consensus that has been reached, strengthen pragmatic cooperation and promote sustainable development for the benefit of the people in the region.

At China-Japan-ROK Leaders Meeting, Premier Wen spoke highly of the good momentum of trilateral cooperation and made suggestions on strengthening the trilateral cooperation in trade and investment, economy, finance, sustainable development, cultural and people-to-people exchanges and other areas. The leaders of the three countries also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common interest. Premier Wen said that China will serve as the coordinator for China-Japan-ROK cooperation next year, which also marks the 40th anniversary of normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan and the 20th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the Republic of Korea (ROK). China is willing to take next year as an opportunity to further strengthen high-level exchanges and policy coordination with Japan and the Republic of Korea, enhance strategic mutual trust, and strive for greater progress in trilateral cooperation.

At the East Asia Summit, Premier Wen expounded China's views on the strategic role of the summit in guiding East Asian cooperation. He proposed to continue to give top priority to addressing the international economic and financial crisis, increase the size of intra-regional trade, and encourage the expansion of investment. He proposed to enhance the endogenous dynamisms of regional development and take sustainable development as a key direction for future cooperation in a fairly long period time. He also proposed to join hands to tackle non-traditional security challenges and create a favorable environment for development. Premier Wen stressed that in the new situation the East Asia Summit should continue to maintain the nature of leaders-led strategic forum, maintain the leadership of ASEAN and strive to seek and expand common interests. China is willing to work with all parties to make the summit more productive. With respect to South China Sea issues raised by some leaders, Premier Wen reiterated China's consistent position and stressed that the disputes concerning South China Sea should be resolved peacefully through friendly consultations and negotiations between the sovereign states directly involved. This is also the consensus identified in the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. China hopes that all parties could proceed from the general interest of safeguarding regional peace and stability and do more to enhance mutual trust and promote cooperation. The participating leaders generally considered that the East Asia Summit should continue to adhere to the nature of leaders-led strategic forum and focus on cooperation in the five major areas: finance, energy, education, public health, and disaster management. Many leaders also raised the points of giving further attention to food security and interconnectivity issues.

III. Having enhanced bilateral relations with the countries concerned

Foreign Minister Yang said that during the meetings, Premier Wen Jiabao made full use of multilateral occasions to have extensive engagements with the leaders of other countries and exchange views with them on bilateral ties and international and regional issues of common concern and further developed relations with relevant countries.

Premier Wen held talks with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia, which holds the ASEAN's rotating presidency. They had an in-depth exchange of views on promoting East Asian cooperation and bilateral relations and reached important consensus. On the relationship between China and Indonesia, Premier Wen said that China is willing to work together with Indonesia to actively implement the consensus already reached. Premier Wen also made initiatives on strengthening pragmatic cooperation in infrastructure construction, energy and other areas. President Susilo thanked the Chinese enterprises for actively participating in the program of constructing six major economic corridors in Indonesia. He also expressed the willingness to work with China to push bilateral cooperation in energy, industry, defense and maritime affairs for more results. Both sides expressed their willingness to cooperate closely and push East Asian cooperation and the bilateral strategic partnership for new progress.

At the meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama, Premier Wen stressed that maintaining the healthy and stable development of China-U.S. relations benefits both countries and the world at large. China is ready to work with the United States to earnestly implement the important consensus agreed by President Hu Jintao and President Obama and unswervingly push forward China-U.S. partnership. Premier Wen also expounded China's positions on the bilateral economic and trade relations and the RMB exchange rate issue. President Obama said that the U.S.-China relationship is one of the most important bilateral relationships not only for the two countries but also for the world. The two sides should continue to uphold the spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding, promote the settlement of differences in the areas of economy and trade, and push the relationship of strategic importance to achieve new progress.

During the meetings, Premier Wen Jiabao also met with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. He also had extensive engagements with the leaders of other participating countries and reached broad consensus on enhancing bilateral relations, jointly promoting regional cooperation, and strengthening communication and coordination in regional and international affairs. The participating leaders spoke highly of the active role played by China in regional and international affairs and expressed the willingness to further strengthen mutual political trust and pragmatic cooperation with China to jointly maintain peace and promote common development in East Asia.

IV. Having consolidated the good-neighborly friendship and cooperation with Brunei

Yang said that Brunei is a friendly neighbor of China. The traditional friendship between the people is ever lasting. This year marks the 20th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Brunei and the "Year of China-Brunei Friendship". Over the past 2 decades, China-Brunei relations have developed smoothly and productively. During the visit, Premier Wen Jiabao held talks with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and met with members of the royal family. They had an in-depth exchange of views on deepening bilateral friendly cooperation in various fields and other issues of common concern and planned the future development of China-Brunei relations. Premier Wen's visit to Brunei strengthened the good-neighborly friendship between China and Brunei and promoted bilateral pragmatic cooperation in various fields.

During the meetings and talks with the leaders of Brunei, Premier Wen spoke highly of the achievements of bilateral cooperation in various fields since the establishment of diplomatic ties 20 years ago. He emphasized that the relationship between China and Brunei is a good example for big and small countries to stay in harmony and seek common development. The two countries have always respected each other and have treated each other as equals and friends, which injected inexhaustible energy and vitality to the development of bilateral relations. The two sides are also committed to promoting regional peace, stability and prosperity. Speaking of the future development of bilateral relations, Premier Wen said that China is willing to maintain high-level exchanges, enhance political mutual trust, strengthen trade and investment cooperation with Brunei, and push bilateral ties for new progress. The two sides should take the "Year of China-Brunei Friendship" as an opportunity to carry forward the traditional friendship and further strengthen cooperation in education, tourism, media, youth and other fields. Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah fully agreed with Premier Wen's suggestions on the future development of bilateral ties and spoke highly of the important contributions made by China to regional peace and development. He said that Brunei is willing to work with the Chinese side to comprehensively promote pragmatic cooperation and push bilateral relations to a higher level for the benefit of the people. During the visit, the two countries also signed a series of cooperation documents covering energy, forestry, health and other areas.

Amity between people holds the key to the sound relations between states. During the visit, Premier Wen was actively engaged in public diplomacy. He had cordial talks with the teachers and students of the University of Brunei Darussalam, presented Chinese books to the university and planted a tree of friendship. Premier Wen hoped the young people of the two countries could learn from each other, strengthen exchanges, and contribute to the friendship and cooperation between China and Brunei. Students said that they would study harder to learn Chinese, better understand China, and contribute to lasting friendship between Brunei and China.

Yang finally said that Premier Wen's trip fulfilled the goal of increasing mutual trust, advancing cooperation and promoting development, and would exert important and far-reaching impact on the lasting peace and common prosperity of the region.