NextGen Day

China said on Monday that it is willing to work with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to achieve a nuclear-weapon-free region, in addition to ensuring stability in the disputed South China Sea.

“China supports Asean’s efforts to establish a nuclear-weapon-free zone and is ready to sign the Protocol to the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone as soon as possible,” President Xi Jinping said at the China-Asia summit commemorating the 30th anniversary of the two sides’ relations.

Beijing’s demand for a nuclear-free Southeast Asia comes as the United States and the United Kingdom arm their ally Australia with nuclear-armed submarines under the AUKUS treaty, which was signed in September.

During his speech, Xi also announced the formation of the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which he described as a “new milestone” in the history of their relations.

“Maintaining peace is our greatest common interest and the most cherished aspiration of people everywhere,” he said, urging “dialogue rather than confrontation.”

“China firmly opposes hegemonic and power politics,” Xi said, reiterating Beijing’s long-held focus on “practicing true multilateralism.” China seeks long-term, friendly coexistence with neighboring countries and contributes to regional efforts for long-term peace. China will never seek hegemony, let alone bully smaller nations.”

While Xi announced plans to collaborate with ASEAN to create a “health shield” for the region, he urged the 10-member grouping to “pursue common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security.”

He also called for increased cooperation in areas such as defense, counter-terrorism, joint maritime search, and rescue, combating transnational crime, rescue and exercise, and disaster management.

“Joint efforts are required to ensure the South China Sea’s stability and to transform it into a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation,” he said.

According to Xi, China will donate an additional 150 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines to ASEAN countries, as well as contribute an additional USD5 million to the Covid-19 Asean Response Fund, increase vaccine joint production and technology transfer, and collaborate on essential medical research and development.

From less than USD8 billion in 1991, bilateral trade between China and ASEAN has increased 85 times to USD684.6 billion in 2020, making the two sides each other’s largest trading partners.

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