Before the reception, Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi met with ASEAN ambassadors and representatives in Beijing, saying bilateral relations have made big strides over the past 25 years and contributed to regional peace, stability and prosperity. Yang said, China is willing to take the opportunity and work with ASEAN to hold a successful commemorative summit marking the 25th anniversary of the dialogue relationship in September this year and to advance bilateral relations to a higher level.
President Li Xiaolin and Ambassador Magdalene Teo delivered a speech at the reception respectively. Li said that China-ASEAN relations made huge progress and harvested fruitful cooperation in the past 25 years. The Chinese side is willing to work with ASEAN to further the development of bilateral relations. The CPAFFC would like to make full use of its advantages and contribute to the enhancement of public opinions between China and ASEAN.
Ambassador Teo said that the ASEAN-China relations enjoyed rapid progress in past 25 years and have already set up over 40 mechanisms of cooperation, which brought tangible benefit to the people of both sides. ASEAN appreciates Chinese government’s support in the ongoing ASEAN community building efforts in achieving the vision of 2035 and ASEAN centrality. ASEAN is happy to participate in the Belt and Road Initiative and jointly build a closer ASEAN-China Community of Common Destiny.