China-ASEAN ties most dynamic model in the region, says FM

The cooperation between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is the most successful and dynamic model in the Asia-Pacific, said Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday.

The minister said in 2018, China will continue to put the ties with ASEAN high on its agenda of international cooperation and looks to upgrade the strategic partnership and build a closer community of shared future with ASEAN.

Wang made the remarks at a news conference on the sidelines of the annual session of the National People's Congress.

Wang laid out three priorities: drafting a 2030 blueprint of China-ASEAN strategic partnership with ASEAN, fostering more cooperation programs in new fields, and forging a new platform for cooperation, further cultivating the Lancang-Mekong economic development belt and build a cooperation framework with the eastern part of ASEAN’s growth area.

"In the last 15 years, the China-ASEAN cooperation has gone from strength to strength and delivered rich fruits," Wang said.

China has remained the largest trading partner with ASEAN for 9 consecutive years. Last year, the bilateral trade exceeded $500 billion and the two-way visits totaled 40 million.