China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting... Focus on Resolving Myanmar Situation

Discussion Expected on China's COVID-19 Vaccine Support Measures

Wang Yi, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister, is speaking at the China-Korea Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Xiamen, China, on April 3. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Minwoo Lee] China, whose conflict with the United States is intensifying, is seeking to strengthen cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers. Discussions are expected to cover the resolution of the Myanmar situation and support for COVID-19 vaccines.

According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 7th, the "Special Foreign Ministers' Meeting to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the Establishment of China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations" and the "6th Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Foreign Ministers' Meeting" will be held from the 7th to the 8th in Chongqing, China. Wang Yi, State Councilor and Foreign Minister in charge of foreign affairs for China, is expected to preside over the meetings together with ASEAN representatives.

At this meeting, Minister Wang Yi is anticipated to emphasize that China shares the same views with ASEAN regarding the Myanmar situation, while strengthening support for Chinese-made COVID-19 vaccines through the Belt and Road Initiative (land and maritime Silk Road) in response to the resurgence of COVID-19 in Southeast Asia.

Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated, "At this meeting, we will review 30 years of cooperation achievements between China and ASEAN, discuss COVID-19 response and economic recovery, and aim to promote the development of bilateral relations as well as regional peace and stability." He added, "We hope to deepen cooperation in various fields and contribute to the construction of the ASEAN community and the advancement of regional economic integration."

The situation in Myanmar is also considered a major agenda item. At a regular briefing on the same day, Minister Wang said, "China supports ASEAN's adherence to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs," and explained, "China will maintain close communication with ASEAN, support ASEAN's mediation efforts, and simultaneously promote a smooth landing of the Myanmar situation in its own way."

Meanwhile, the Chinese state-run Global Times reported that at this meeting, China and ASEAN will strengthen cooperation for sharing COVID-19 vaccines and promote vaccine passports.