Chinese language International Minister Wang Yi briefs the media in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, July 12, 2025. /Chinese language International Ministry
Chinese language International Minister Wang Yi on Saturday briefed the media on China-ASEAN cooperation, U.S.-imposed tariffs and the South China Sea challenge whereas attending the annual ASEAN Plus international ministers’ conferences in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Wang, additionally a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Celebration of China Central Committee, mentioned that in opposition to the backdrop of rampant unilateralism and protectionism, China and ASEAN nations are demonstrating a robust want to help one another, unite and cooperate, and collectively meet challenges.
On China-ASEAN cooperation: ‘Most energetic’ in Asia-Pacific area
Wang mentioned the conferences in Kuala Lumpur achieved a sequence of outcomes.
Firstly, the completion of negotiations on model 3.0 of the China-ASEAN Free Commerce Space was confirmed and it was agreed that it might be submitted for approval and signing on the leaders’ assembly in October, signaling that China and ASEAN will proceed to advertise regional financial integration and construct a high-level regional free commerce community.
Secondly, China and ASEAN agreed on the motion plan for the excellent strategic partnership for the following 5 years, setting out over 40 objectives of all-round cooperation in varied fields, injecting sturdy impetus to bilateral pragmatic cooperation within the subsequent section.
Thirdly, each side welcomed the completion of the third studying of the draft textual content of the Code of Conduct within the South China Sea (COC), agreed to try to finish consultations inside 2026 and attain a COC that’s efficient, substantive and in keeping with worldwide legislation, together with the United Nations Conference on the Legislation of the Sea. This can present a stronger assure for peace and stability within the South China Sea.
Wang identified that China places ahead the constructing of a neighborhood of shared future with neighboring nations and promotes the modernization of those nations.
Noting that each one ASEAN nations converse extremely of the China-ASEAN complete strategic partnership and imagine that China is an important dialogue companion of ASEAN, Wang mentioned that China-ASEAN cooperation is probably the most energetic and fruitful instance within the Asia-Pacific area, and we’re totally assured in the way forward for China-ASEAN relations.
On U.S.-imposed tariffs: ‘Openness brings progress’
“Openness brings progress, whereas closure results in backwardness,” Wang mentioned when commenting on U.S.-imposed excessive tariffs in opposition to varied nations.
Amid the continuing combination of modifications and chaos within the present worldwide scenario, each nation should make a alternative between unilateralism and multilateralism, closeness and openness, unity and division, mentioned Wang.
China’s alternative is to be extra open, he burdened, explaining that this isn’t solely the essential expertise of China’s growth and development, but in addition the inevitable logic of historical past shifting ahead.
China has taken the initiative to supply zero-tariff remedy for merchandise to the least developed nations and all the Africa, totally accomplished negotiations on model 3.0 of the China-ASEAN Free Commerce Space, and has created a brand new mannequin of cross-regional cooperation on the ASEAN-China-GCC summit, he added.
In distinction, the excessive tariffs imposed on varied nations are a transparent violation of World Commerce Group guidelines, disrupting the secure operation of the manufacturing and provide chains, and hindering the restoration and growth of the world economic system, mentioned Wang, including that such a transfer is irresponsible, unpopular and unsustainable.
On South China Sea challenge: ‘Peace, stability and cooperation’
Noting that the South China Sea challenge is mentioned yearly on the conferences and this 12 months was no exception, Wang mentioned: “What struck me most this time is the clear temperature distinction between regional nations and some nations from outdoors the area.”
Wang mentioned he proposed {that a} new narrative ought to be constructed for the South China Sea.
“We must always not at all times affiliate the South China Sea with friction, battle or confrontation, however with peace, stability and cooperation. This could grow to be the mainstream narrative sooner or later,” Wang mentioned.
Wang additionally mentioned that China and ASEAN nations have agreed to improve the DOC by formulating a COC that’s efficient, substantive and in step with worldwide legislation.
All sides additionally agreed to try to conclude the COC as scheduled subsequent 12 months, he mentioned.
Wang mentioned he additionally elaborated on China’s place relating to the so-called South China Sea arbitration case through the conferences.
This arbitration case has critical flaws by way of fact-finding and utility of legislation, Wang mentioned, including that it carried out actions that violated the United Nations Conference on the Legislation of the Sea below the identify of the conference itself.
(With enter from Xinhua)
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