Wen: Koizumi won't own up to history (chinadaily.com.cn/China Daily) Updated: 2005-12-13 06:08
Trade between China and ASEAN grew by 23.5 per cent in the first 11 months of
2005 to US$117.24 billion, and China is the bloc's fourth largest trading
partner.
China and ASEAN in 2002 agreed to establish a free trade area, and Beijing
has also signed bilateral trade agreements with Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.
While highlighting China's commitment to Asia's financial stability, Wen said
Beijing will keep the region's interests in mind during the process of reforming
its renminbi exchange rate regime.
"In introducing this reform and adjustment, we have taken full account of
both China's economic and financial stability and the impact of such reform and
adjustment on the economic and financial stability of China's neighbours, the
whole region, and the world at large," Wen said. "We will continue to do so in
the future."
Given China's rapid economic rise as well as its increasing diplomatic clout,
there have been worries that it could dominate the region.
Wen reassured other Asian leaders that Beijing had no such plans.
"China is committed to East Asia co-operation in the interest of fostering a
harmonious, secure and prosperous neighbourly environment," said Wen, who called
for increased co-operation in the energy sector with other countries to ensure
global energy security and stability.
"China hopes that such co-operation will promote regional peace and
prosperity and create a friendly international environment that will facilitate
its development endeavour. China is proud to be a good neighbour, good friend
and good partner of other Asian countries."
He acknowledged that the country was facing a range of problems including
strains on the environment and resources, a development gap between urban and
rural areas, and what he called "huge pressure" on employment.
Beijing against exclusive bloc in East Asia
Premier Wen Jiabao yesterday made it clear that China is opposed to building
any self-enclosed or exclusive bloc in the East Asia region.
He also reassured leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN) that Beijing does not seek a leadership role in regional co-operation.
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