On July 12, 2023 local time, Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi met in Jakarta with Second Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Dato Seri Setia Haji Erywan.

Wang Yi said that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-Brunei political mutual trust has been continuously deepened, and the Belt and Road cooperation has yielded fruitful outcomes, making positive contributions to the two countries' respective development. This year marks the 5th anniversary of the establishment of a strategic cooperative partnership between China and Brunei, and bilateral relations embrace new opportunities for development. China is ready to work with Brunei to follow through on the important common understandings between the two heads of state, strengthen the alignment of development strategies, deepen all-round cooperation, constantly strive for new development of bilateral relations, and better benefit the two peoples.

Wang Yi said that China always advocates that all countries are equal regardless of size, and regards neighboring countries as a priority in its diplomacy. Twenty years ago, China responded to the wishes of ASEAN countries by taking the lead in joining the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, which has helped achieve historical leapfrog in bilateral relations and strongly supported the ASEAN centrality. As a dialogue partner of ASEAN, China is glad to see prominent improvement in the standing and influence of ASEAN, and is ready to work with ASEAN countries to deepen cooperation between the two sides in various fields, accelerate the negotiations on the upgrade of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, and jointly meet global challenges.

Dato Seri Setia Haji Erywan said that His Majesty the Sultan cherishes his friendship with President Xi Jinping, and the two heads of state have guided the Brunei-China strategic cooperative partnership to achieve strong and robust development. Dato Seri Setia Haji Erywan expressed his hope that the joint steering committee between the governments of the two countries will be given full play of its role to expand cooperation in various fields. China is a true friend of ASEAN, and is playing a leading and exemplary role in ASEAN's relations with major countries. Brunei supports and will actively work to advance ASEAN-China cooperation.