China sees positive ASEAN Summit results, signs upgraded trade deal and welcomes Malaysia’s BRICS membership bid as partnership strengthens.
KUALA LUMPUR: China views the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits as achieving positive outcomes, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun.
He stated that China and ASEAN countries need to stand more firmly for solidarity and strength while resisting external disruptions.
“China and ASEAN need to defend legitimate rights and interests through mutual support and coordinated actions,” Guo said in a statement published on the China Foreign Ministry website.
He emphasized the need to promote steady economic growth through complementary cooperation and consolidate strategic mutual trust.
The spokesperson quoted Premier Li Qiang noting that ASEAN leaders recognized the China-ASEAN relationship as setting an example of regional cooperation.
Leaders expressed readiness to bring the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to a higher level.
Li attended multiple summits including the 28th China-ASEAN Summit and the 20th East Asia Summit on October 27 and 28.
On the ASEAN Plus Three Summit, Guo said China stands ready to work with all parties to uphold openness and cooperation.
He emphasized continuing to unleash economic potential and deepen collaboration on industrial and supply chains.
ASEAN and China signed the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade, marking a new phase of bilateral trade.
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz and Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao signed the agreement.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Premier Li Qiang.
Regarding Malaysia’s bid for full BRICS membership, Guo pointed out that BRICS is an important cooperation platform.
“We welcome Malaysia and more like-minded partners to join BRICS cooperation,” he stated.
He said BRICS members value Global South partners’ positive willingness to join the cooperation.
BRICS refers to the group of emerging economies originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva recently voiced strong support for Malaysia’s BRICS aspiration.
Both leaders emphasized that Malaysia is a natural partner with shared values and growing economic potential. – Bernama
