China to strengthen ties with ASEAN

China will strengthen communication and cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations with strategic and long-term benefits to all parties, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said on Wednesday.

China and ASEAN share common interests and have a responsibility to safeguard regional peace and stability, Yang told the China and ASEAN ministerial meeting in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Yang proposed to promote bilateral cooperation in the fields of trade, transportation, maritime issues and culture and said China will adjust the focus of its relationship with ASEAN based on the organization's developing needs.