Deepen Comprehensive Cooperation and Enhance China-ASEAN Strategic Partnership

Premier Wen Jiabao
The Ninth China-ASEAN Summit

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 12 December 2005

Dear Prime Minister Dato' Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi,
Dear Colleagues,

I am delighted to meet you again in Kuala Lumpur today to exchange views on how to build a strong China-ASEAN strategic partnership.

This year has seen new headway in China-ASEAN relations. There have been frequent high-level visits in both directions and closer cooperation and exchanges in various fields, and the following important achievements have been made:

First, there is a strong momentum of growth in our comprehensive cooperation. The Plan of Action aimed at promoting China-ASEAN strategic partnership is being implemented, and a detailed two-year implementation plan has been adopted. With gratifying progress in our cooperation in economy, trade, social undertaking, culture, science and technology, youth and other fields, China-ASEAN relationship has entered a new stage of more practical and all-around growth.

Second, solid progress has been made in the building of China-ASEAN Free Trade Area. Free trade in goods has begun and the all-around tariff reduction process has started since last July. China-ASEAN trade continues to grow and is expected to exceed US$120 billion this year. Negotiations on agreements on trade in services and on investment are under way.

Third, fruitful progress has been made in China-ASEAN security cooperation. The Tripartite Agreement for Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking in the Agreement Area in the South China Sea was signed by China, the Philippines and Vietnam, which marked a breakthrough in the joint development of the South China Sea. Senior Officials Meeting and its Working Group meetings on the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea were convened, and the implementation of the Declaration has started. The recent successful convocation of the first Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime Plus China Consultation has further deepened our cooperation in counter-terrorism, drug control, law enforcement and other related areas.

Fourth, China-ASEAN cooperation in development has made remarkable progress. The Second Greater Mekong Subregion Economic Cooperation Summit was successfully held in Kunming, China last July, which adopted the Kunming Declaration. The fact that China will become a Development Partner of BIMP-EAGA will provide a new channel for China-ASEAN cooperation.

These new achievements in China-ASEAN relations have brought greater benefits to both sides. They fully reflect that during the 15 years of growth of China-ASEAN dialogue partnership, the mutual political trust between the two sides has been strengthened, our dialogue and exchanges deepened and our two-way cooperation enriched and enhanced. With new progress made and new ground opened in each passing year, China-ASEAN relations have entered a new period of growth unseen in the past.

Instructive conclusions can be drawn from the success of China-ASEAN relations.

First, to act in a spirit of equality and mutual benefit is essential for the growth of China-ASEAN relations. We have treated each other as equals and respected each other's choice of mode of development. We have refrained from interfering in each other's internal affairs, enhanced mutual trust through candid dialogue and addressed issues in bilateral relations through consultation. And we have pursued mutually beneficial cooperation and striven to bring maximum benefit to both sides. All this has been critical in ensuring the steady growth and deepening of China-ASEAN relations.

Second, common need has bound China and ASEAN together. We both have the historical mission of eliminating poverty, narrowing gap between the rich and the poor, accelerating development and making life better for our peoples; and we are both facing the key challenges of countering traditional and non-traditional security threats and safeguarding durable peace and stability in the region. Such common need and joint responsibilities have brought us together.

Third, to seek consensus through consultation is the principal way of enhancing cooperation between China and ASEAN. We have endeavored to expand common ground while putting aside differences and fully addressed each other's concern. We have borne in mind both long-term development prospects and current conditions. We have pursued an incremental approach that yields steady progress. Thus, we have been able to develop a mode of cooperation that is in keeping with actual conditions of the two sides.

Fourth, the mechanism of cooperation is the effective platform for promoting China-ASEAN relationship. With practical need in mind, we have, step by step, set up mechanisms of dialogue and cooperation at various levels, maintained regular communication and coordination, set the direction of cooperation in different fields, and identified priority in these fields. This has ensured the smooth cooperation between China and ASEAN.

Fifth, to open up new areas of cooperation provides the driving force for the growth of China-ASEAN relations. In the face of rapid changes in both regional and international developments, we have closely followed the global trend, kept pace with the advance of the times, and actively explored new forms of greater cooperation to promote common development. Thus, we have maintained the vigor and vitality of China-ASEAN relations.

Dear Colleagues,

China-ASEAN dialogue and cooperation will enter the second 15-year period of growth. In the next 15 years, China will build itself into a country of moderate prosperity, ASEAN will accelerate the formation of the ASEAN Community, and China-ASEAN relations are expected to register major progress. To enhance China-ASEAN strategic partnership, we must make sure that steady and new progress is made every year. To ensure more vigorous and fruitful growth of China-ASEAN relations next year, I wish to put forward the following initiatives for cooperation:

One, forge stronger bond of China-ASEAN friendship. We propose that extensive activities be carried out to mark the 15th anniversary of China-ASEAN dialogue relations and the Year of Friendship and Cooperation Between China and ASEAN, and that broad public participation in these activities be encouraged, so as to ensure strong public support for the long-term growth of China-ASEAN relations.

Two, put in place a planned framework for China-ASEAN relations. After almost a year's hard work, China-ASEAN Eminent Persons Group has presented us with a comprehensive report which offers good suggestions for enhancing China-ASEAN relations. We should study and adopt these suggestions in conjunction with the China-ASEAN Plan of Action.

Three, endeavor to build China-ASEAN Free Trade Area. We should accelerate the tariff reduction process, ensure the full and efficient implementation of the Agreement on Trade in Goods, and press ahead with the negotiations on agreements on trade in services and on investment so as to complete the building of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area on schedule.

Four, identify new priority areas of cooperation. On the basis of deepening China-ASEAN cooperation in agriculture, information and communications technology, human resources development, mutual investment and the Mekong Basin development, we propose that transportation, energy, culture, tourism and public health be made the five new key areas of China-ASEAN cooperation. We should also explore the feasibility of building a China-ASEAN Information Highway on the basis of Greater Mekong Subregion Information Highway program. The exhibition of China's advanced and applicable technologies at the Second China-ASEAN Expo this year were well received by the ASEAN countries. China is ready to hold the same technology exhibition next year and hold an exhibition tour in ASEAN countries.

Five, vigorously promote personnel exchanges. Over 5 million people from China and ASEAN have been on mutual visits this year. To facilitate personnel exchanges, strengthen friendship and the building of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, we propose mutual exemption of visas for diplomatic and service passport holders within next year and having further discussions on simplifying procedures for personnel exchanges.

Dear Colleagues,

The outbreak of highly pathogenic avian flu in some countries and regions poses a severe threat to human health. It has become a global public health security issue of deep concern to governments of all countries and relevant international organizations. Indeed, it has become a grave challenge facing the international community. Asia is hard hit by highly pathogenic avian flu, and we should make every effort to prevent and control it in the interest of public health security and sustained economic development of all countries in this region. To strengthen regional cooperation, work together to prevent and control the highly pathogenic avian flu and stop the transmission of the virus to humans is an urgent task facing us all.

China is ready to provide, within its capability, funds, medical supplies and technical assistance to ASEAN countries affected by avian flu. Using the China-ASEAN Fund for Public Health, China will provide technical training to ASEAN countries, take part in joint research and strengthen exchange of experience in avian flu prevention and control. China's National Bird Flu Reference Laboratory is ready to share its experience and carry out cooperation in diagnosis with ASEAN countries. We suggest that the two sides enhance information sharing about the occurrence of avian flu and speedily set up a joint mechanism of prevention and control. We also suggest that a China-ASEAN Health Ministers' Meeting on Emerging Infectious Diseases be convened in the first half of next year to discuss avian flu prevention and control, vaccine development and related issues. China will host the International Pledging Conference on Avian and Human Influenza with the EU and the World Bank in China next January. ASEAN is warmly welcome to attend the conference.

Dear Colleagues,

To promote good-neighborly ties and friendly cooperation with ASEAN countries is China's long-term strategic decision. We will, firmly following the principle of "building good-neighborly relationship and partnership with our neighbors" and "fostering a friendly, secure and prosperous neighborly environment", endeavor to forge a stronger China-ASEAN strategic partnership. With China-ASEAN trade and economic cooperation leading the way, we are ready to deepen our cooperation in all areas, particularly social, cultural, political and security cooperation. We continue to firmly support ASEAN in playing the leading role in regional cooperation; and we are ready, on the basis of China-ASEAN cooperation, to work with ASEAN to promote East Asia cooperation and make new contribution to peace and prosperity in the region.

Thank you.