Chinese, ASEAN senior officials meet to discuss regional issues

Senior officials from China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) launched an informal consultation here on Monday to exchange views on regional issues of common concern.

Speaking highly of the extraordinary achievements that have been made in various fields since the establishment of China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations 20 years ago, the officials said the good- neighborly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two sides have not only boosted their domestic development but also contributed to the peace, stability and prosperity of the whole region.

As the international and regional situation is undergoing profound and complicated changes, China and ASEAN should strengthen communications, promote mutual trust, make consorted efforts to cope with the challenges, and thus achieve common development, they suggested.

Next year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of China-ASEAN Strategic Partnership. The two sides will take this opportunity to comprehensively promote their cooperation in the fields of politics, economy and trade, humanity and connectivity- building, they added.

The attendees also discussed the progress of the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).

Noting that it is crucial to maintain overall stability in the South China Sea, the officials said China and ASEAN have conducted smooth and effective communications regarding the South China Sea issue and the two sides share common views and key interests on maintaining peace and stability in the region.

They pledged to fully implement the DOC and gave support to Cambodia which is scheduled to hold a seminar next month to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the DOC's signing.

In 2002, China and ASEAN countries signed the DOC, which states that sovereign states should resolve territorial and jurisdictional disputes by peaceful means and through friendly consultations and negotiations.

The consultation was also aimed at preparing for the upcoming East Asia Summit and related meetings in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia. The senior officials expected the meeting to focus on development issues.-The Philippine Star (October 29, 2012 10:00PM)