At the 26th China-ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the resilient nature of the cooperation between China and ASEAN nations. Despite global challenges and potential external disruptions, he stated that their partnership would remain robust if they adhered to the right path.
Understanding Through Hardships
Li commented on the significant strides in China-ASEAN collaboration, attributing it to a shared understanding of challenges and mutual commitment to peace and development. Both sides have prioritized regional stability, he highlighted, quoting reports from the Xinhua News Agency.
Addressing disagreements, Li highlighted the tactful approach of China and ASEAN in finding common ground, emphasizing their commitment to the five principles of peaceful co-existence and the purpose of the TAC (Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia).
Analyzing China-ASEAN Relations
Xu Liping, from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, underscored China’s active participation in ASEAN-led events, emphasizing China’s genuine intent in offering solutions to global challenges. He posited that such endeavors reinforced China’s image as a responsible global player.
Concerns were raised about external parties trying to leverage regional disputes, notably the South China Sea, to create unrest. Many experts believe that these actions, potentially initiated by the US, are counterproductive. They expressed confidence in ASEAN’s capability to work with China to ensure regional peace and stability.
Xu further evaluated US intentions, critiquing its Indo-Pacific strategy and perceived efforts to sway ASEAN members. He highlighted China’s tangible support to ASEAN, pointing out its diplomatic efforts in dispute resolution and major projects like the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
ASEAN’s Perspective
Indonesian President Joko Widodo, during the summit, emphasized the significance of mutual trust between China and ASEAN. He urged both sides to foster a trustful environment, ensuring profitable cooperation.
Reiterating the sentiment at the 43rd ASEAN Summit, Widodo mentioned the challenges posed by superpowers, emphasizing ASEAN’s decision to remain neutral.
Several Chinese analysts expressed concerns about ASEAN becoming a battleground for superpowers, especially given the growing geopolitical tensions involving China, the US, and the ongoing West-Russia-Ukraine issue.
Marzuki Alie, former Indonesian House of Representatives speaker, spoke about the intricate relationship between China and the US and its implications for Southeast Asia. He underscored the need for balanced and constructive relations between Southeast Asian countries, China, and the US.
Marzuki also highlighted China’s substantial contributions to ASEAN, while Wirun Phichaiwongphakdee, director of the Thailand-China Research Center, emphasized China’s positive role in fostering regional development. He urged Western countries to promote cooperation over confrontation.
Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong stressed the need for the US and China to collaborate on global issues. The focus remained on the need for dialogue and strategic trust-building.
China’s Economic Commitment
Premier Li provided an overview of China’s economic relationship with ASEAN and other Asian countries. He expressed confidence in the Chinese economy, forecasting an annual growth of around 5%. Emphasizing Asia’s shared interests, Li proposed initiatives to boost China-ASEAN ties, including fostering an economic growth center and promoting emerging industries such as AI.
Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, responded to Western critiques of China’s economy, reiterating China’s economic potential. He accused the US of creating economic fears to divert investments from Asia, emphasizing the need for Asia to remain united.
Summit Outcomes
The summit concluded with multiple agreements aimed at enhancing China-ASEAN ties. These include a joint statement on cooperation between the Belt and Road Initiative and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, an action plan on green agricultural development, and an initiative for enhancing bilateral e-commerce cooperation. The year 2024 was also declared the China-ASEAN year of people-to-people exchanges.
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