Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) — The ministers of economy and trade of China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have called for deepening bilateral economic and trade cooperation to counter negative uncertainties. The call was made at a special meeting of China-ASEAN ministers of economy and trade held via video link on Tuesday.
As Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao noted during the meeting, China is willing to work with ASEAN to maintain the stable and smooth operation of global industrial and supply chains, make greater contributions to promoting the development and rise of both sides, and safeguarding international fairness and justice.
Wang Wentao recalled that recently some economies have been abusing so-called “mirror duties” and engaging in economic bullying, which has seriously undermined the international trade system and introduced a high degree of uncertainty into the global economy. Such practices do not comply with economic rules and violate market principles, the head of the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China stated.
During the meeting, the ministers called for collective action to defend the multilateral trading system and free trade, as well as for the effective use of the World Trade Organization mechanisms to establish constructive contacts, find joint solutions and address concerns in global trade.
ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Horn said all parties should cooperate with a forward-looking approach, firmly uphold openness and inclusiveness, and continuously promote regional economic integration.
He expressed hope that ASEAN and China can deepen their partnership, achieve high-quality common development, promote cooperation in areas such as smart manufacturing, and strengthen connectivity and green transformation.
Following the meeting, a joint statement was issued reaffirming China and ASEAN’s position on economic exchanges and challenges to the global economy.
China and 10 ASEAN countries have completed negotiations to upgrade the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area to version 3.0, the Ministry of Commerce said on Wednesday. –0–