On the morning of July 16, 2016 local time, Premier Li Keqiang attended an informal meeting during the 11th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit in Ulaanbaatar, exchanging views with attending leaders on international and regional issues.

Li Keqiang stated that the overall situation in Asia and Europe at present is peaceful and stable yet various kinds of traditional and non-traditional security challenges are still prominent, among which terrorism is a common challenge confronting all countries. All countries should join hands to strengthen anti-terrorism cooperation and build a truly open and inclusive society so as to fundamentally eradicate the soil that breeds terrorism.

Li Keqiang emphasized that China is committed to well safeguarding and developing China-EU relations and China-UK relations and staunchly supports the European integration process. China believes that the development of the EU will not stagnate and is glad to see prosperity and stability in both the EU and the UK. It is hoped that UK-EU relations can undergo smooth transition and maintain openness as well as transparency, delivering the anticipation of stability to the outside world. We are willing to, together with all parties, strengthen coordination, manage and control risks, boost confidence and protect the stability of the international capital market so as to advance world economic recovery and growth.

Li Keqiang stated at last that the South China Sea issue is neither an issue to be discussed at multilateral occasions nor an agenda of this summit. However, since certain countries commented on the issue, China is obligated to expound its position and clarify the facts. Li Keqiang pointed out that from the very beginning, China has never participated in the South China Sea arbitration case unilaterally filed by the Philippines and neither accepts nor acknowledges the so-called award. This is a right entitled by the international law and an act of protecting the authority of the international law. China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea will never be affected by the arbitral award under any circumstances. China sticks to resolving relevant disputes in the South China Sea with parties directly concerned through dialogue and consultation on the basis of respecting historical facts and in accordance with the international law in order to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea region.