Talk it through: Wang sitting in attendance during the ARF in Vientiane, Laos. — Reuters
FOREIGN Minister Wang Yi called on Asean countries to stay committed to the vision of peace as well as the Asean Way in maintaining regional peace and stability.
He made the remarks at the foreign ministers’ meeting of the 31st Asean Regional Forum (ARF) on Saturday in Vientiane, Laos, which is the current Asean chair.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, at the meeting highlighted a world today featuring turbulence and chaos, with prolonged regional conflicts, increased geopolitical confrontations, as well as emerging security challenges.
On addressing current challenges, the Chinese foreign minister put forward suggestions at the meeting, adding that the Asean-led ARF, as the major multilateral security dialogue platform in the Asia-Pacific, has made important contributions to regional peace and stability.
Wang urged alert and opposition to intervention in the region by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Nato), which he said is bound to trigger confrontation and escalate tensions.
Moreover, the Chinese foreign minister stressed the need to seek political settlement of issues and conflicts through dialogue and consultation, rejecting external interference, confrontation and pressure.
Wang also elaborated on China’s stance on the South China Sea issue.
He said there is a full historical and legal basis for China to uphold territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea.
With a view of safeguarding neighbourhood friendliness and regional cooperation, China signed the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) with Asean countries and has consistently and effectively implemented it, Wang said, adding that China insists on managing differences properly through dialogue and consultation with parties involved.
Wang said China and Asean countries are advancing negotiations of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, actively conducting maritime practical cooperation, and jointly safeguarding peace and stability in the South China Sea.
For humanitarian purposes, China has reached a provisional arrangement with the Philippine side on managing the situation at Ren’ai Jai, or the Second Thomas Shoal, allowing supply of living necessities after on-site verification and monitoring of the process, Wang said.
Wang called on the Philippines to honor its commitments, not to break its promises and not to make more trouble.
Wang said that the South China Sea is one of the safest and freest maritime routes in the world, and there is no need to worry about freedom of navigation and overflight. — Xinhua
