State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi: East Asia cooperation needs to focus on jointly combating COVID-19 and pursuing common development

On 30 July, in his talks with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Lestari Priansari Marsudi via video link, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted that going forward, East Asia cooperation needs to focus on jointly combating COVID-19 and pursuing common development.

Wang Yi expressed his hope for joint efforts between China and ASEAN to secure even more positive outcomes in East Asia cooperation, and proposed the following:

First, deepen cooperation on combating COVID-19. China is ready to provide necessary support to the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund and the ASEAN Regional Reserve of Medical Supplies for Public Health Emergencies, and explore with ASEAN the establishment of a China-ASEAN liaison mechanism and an APT reserve of essential medical supplies for building a China-ASEAN community of health.

Second, drive economic recovery. China and ASEAN need to enhance synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025, and make the China-ASEAN Year of Digital Economy Cooperation a success to foster new growth areas. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) needs to be concluded within this year to boost regional economic growth.

Third, promote blue economy cooperation. China and ASEAN need to work together extensively in areas such as marine industry, marine ecosystem conservation and marine technology innovation to advance the building of a partnership on blue economy.

Fourth, take the 30th anniversary of China-ASEAN dialogue relations next year to elevate the strategic positioning of their relationship, and to further substantiate and boost confidence in their cooperation.

Fifth, make solid preparations and secure more outcomes for the leaders' meetings on East Asia cooperation later this year, so as to jointly tackle risks and challenges, and safeguard peace and stability in the region.