[Asia Economy Reporter Joselgina] Premier Li Keqiang of China expressed his desire to maintain close cooperative relations with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries and called for resolving conflicts through dialogue and negotiation.
According to the Chinese State Council's official website, Government.cn, on the 12th, Premier Li stated at the China-ASEAN summit held via online video connection, "From the first to the third quarter of this year, ASEAN became China's top trading partner." While trade with major partners such as the European Union (EU) sharply declined due to the impact of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), trade with ASEAN was found to have increased.
Premier Li evaluated, "The cooperation between China and ASEAN is mutually beneficial, open, and inclusive," adding, "This has injected strong momentum into the stability and development of the regional and global economy."
He emphasized, "Let us continue dialogue and negotiation to walk the path of peaceful development," and "Based on the principles of mutual respect and seeking common ground while reserving differences (求存同異), let us resolve conflicts and disputes through friendly negotiations to create a peaceful regional environment." Currently, China is experiencing friction with Southeast Asian countries over territorial claims in the South China Sea.
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