The second day of the 43rd Asean Summit is focused on calls for mutual trust, strengthened stability, and continuous engagement with China. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasizes that future collaboration between Asean and China will primarily depend on multilateral relations. Malaysia and its Asean partners view China as an important neighbor and a great friend in areas of trade, investment, and security arrangements. Anwar highlights that trust and discussions at the multilateral level in terms of security and protecting the interests of both China and Asean will determine future collaborations. He makes these remarks during Malaysia’s intervention at the 26th Asean-China Summit, held in conjunction with the 43rd Asean Summit and other related summits in Jakarta. Anwar’s participation in the 26th Asean-China Summit involves Asean leaders and the Chinese Premier, Li Qiang.
Anwar emphasizes that China and Asean should maintain multilateral dialogue platforms in the realm of security, as regional stability holds utmost significance. He also acknowledges that the Chinese Premier’s presence at the summit strengthens camaraderie among all stakeholders. Prior to this week’s summits, China released a map with a “10-dash line,” suggesting an expansion of its territorial claims in the South China Sea. Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, protested China’s new map, while the Asean bloc aims to reach an agreement on a long-discussed code of conduct for the waterway. Anwar affirms that Malaysia has conveyed its unwavering stance on protecting its sovereignty to China.
The Prime Minister adds that Malaysia seeks to enhance the relationship between the two nations, with cooperation beginning through the third version of the Asean-China Free Trade Agreement. Anwar also mentions Malaysia’s Madani Economic Framework and highlights the importance of food security and digital information in the bilateral relationship. He recognizes the advancements in innovation, technology, and technical education under China’s leadership, which have benefitted Malaysia. Anwar notes the significance of people-to-people interests and the upcoming year of China-Asean Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges in 2024.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo echoes similar sentiments in his opening speech, emphasizing the need for concrete Asean-China cooperation and prioritizing mutual trust. This trip marks the Chinese Premier’s debut on the Asean stage and his first visit to an Asian country since assuming office in March. Li Qiang expresses the importance of avoiding a new Cold War and appropriately handling differences and disputes between countries, urging opposition towards taking sides, bloc confrontation, and a new Cold War.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
