Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's summit meetings with Asian leaders have brought China-ASEAN relations to a higher level and at the same time given an impetus to China's co-operation with Japan and South Korea, Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said Wednesday.

Premier Wen Jiabao (left), Republic of Korea (ROK) President Roh Moo-hyun (centre) and Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi meet prior to their trilateral conference in Bali, Indonesia October 7,2003. [newsphoto.com.cn]

Talking to Chinese reporters after the premier concluded his series of summits in Bali, Indoniesia, the foreign minister said Wen's 44-hour Bali trip scored a string of major achievements.

First, a strategic partnership was established between China and ASEAN. By signing the document on strategic partnership for peace and prosperity between the two sides, China has become the first strategic partner of ASEAN, Li said, adding ASEAN is also the first regional grouping with which China has forged such a partnership.

Second, China has formally acceded to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in Southeast Asia. China's participation in the treaty is a positive development in maintaining good relations with its neighbors and is also conducive to the regional peace and stability, the foreign minister said.

Third, China has given an impetus to the reaching of the Joint Declaration on the Promotion of Tripartite Cooperation among China,Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK).

Initiated by China and signed by Premier Wen Jiabao along with Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and President Roh Moo-hyun, the document is the first on tripartite cooperation among China, Japan and ROK, and will give a major impetus to their cooperation, Li said.

Fourth, The Chinese premier outlined the guidelines for cooperation between ASEAN and China, Japan and ROK(10+3). The principles of equality and consultations, mutual benefit and win-win for all, gradual process and openness and inclusiveness, which he set forth, is of profound significance for the 10+3 cooperation and the cooperation in East Asia as a whole.

Fifth, China made a series of concrete proposals on co-operation and signed some documents to flesh up the cooperation in five major fields which showed the sincere wish of the Chinese side to enhance the regional cooperation.

All these initiatives and proposals received favorable response from leaders of the region and increased the understanding of and trust in China from its neighbors, Li Zhaoxing said.

Close

Today's Top News		Top National News
+Foreign Minister: ASEAN visit fruitful ( 2003-10-09) +Journalists need ethical check-up ( 2003-10-09) +Women question early retirement ( 2003-10-09) +Divisive remarks of Chen under fire ( 2003-10-09) +Natural disasters claim 1,911 lives this year ( 2003-10-09)		+Women question early retirement ( 2003-10-09) +Journalists need ethical check-up ( 2003-10-09) +Foreign Minister: ASEAN visit fruitful ( 2003-10-09) +Accession of ASEAN treaty marks trust ( 2003-10-09) +Gov't bans coal-fired power stations ( 2003-10-09)