China calls for cooperation between APEC, ASEAN

Speaking at an informal dialogue between APEC and ASEAN leaders on November 10, the Chinese leader affirmed that APEC has become the most influential platform for economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, while ASEAN has also built itself into an organisation of regional integration with huge vitality and potential. Therefore, the two mechanisms will enjoy a bright future for cooperation.

He proposed the two organisations join hands to enhance regional economic integration, adding that both sides should make joint efforts to build an open economy in the Asia-Pacific as well as a framework of regional cooperation featuring equal consultation, common participation and all-win results with a view to a free trade area of the Asia-Pacific.

China is ready to work together with ASEAN to reach an early conclusion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations, reiterating China’s stance that ASEAN should play a core role in the negotiations.

During the dialogue, Xi stressed that China, as a strategic partner of ASEAN, firmly supports the construction of the ASEAN Community and backs ASEAN’s core role in regional cooperation.