China supports ASEAN's centrality in regional architecture

Chinese President Xi Jinping affirmed that China firmly supports the ASEAN unity and community building, and supports the bloc's centrality in the regional architecture.

he friendly relations and cooperation between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries have become stronger and more resilient after "the storms of the times", Chinese President Xi Jinping has said.

He made the comment in an article published on the front page of Malaysia’s "The Star" newspaper on May 15, ahead of his visit to Malaysia.

president-xi.jpg
Chinese President Xi Jinping (Photo: XINHUA/VNA)

Xi emphasised that China is the first dialogue partner to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, and the first country to establish a free trade area and a comprehensive strategic partnership with ASEAN. China – ASEAN cooperation is the most effective and result-oriented cooperation in the region.

He affirmed that China firmly supports the ASEAN unity and community building, and supports the bloc's centrality in the regional architecture.

He went on to say that China fully supports Malaysia in the latter's role as ASEAN Chair in 2025 and hopes Malaysia will play a stronger role as a bridge between the two sides as the Country Coordinator for ASEAN – China Dialogue Relations.

According to a press release issued by the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 14, the Chinese President will pay a state visit to Malaysia from April 15 to 17 at the invitation of King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim.

As Chair of ASEAN and the Country Coordinator for ASEAN – China Dialogue Relations, Malaysia remains committed to advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two sides through dialogue, mutual trust, and initiatives that deliver tangible benefits to the peoples of ASEAN and China, its Foreign Ministry said./.

World

Indonesia seeks new markets for palm oil
World

Indonesia seeks new markets for palm oil

Indonesia is the world's biggest producer of the edible oil used in making foods such as cakes, chocolate, and margarine as well as cosmetics, soap and shampoo, accounting for more than half of the global supply.

Thailand optimistic about tourism and spending during Songkran festival
World

Thailand optimistic about tourism and spending during Songkran festival

Deputy government spokesman Anukul Prueksanusak has cited findings from a recent consumer behaviour survey conducted by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, which said spending during Songkran is projected to increase by 4.5% to 134 billion THB (3.8 billion USD), up from last year’s 129 billion THB

Thailand to negotiate with US on tariffs
World

Thailand to negotiate with US on tariffs

Thailand is on the list of 15 countries that could be affected by Trump’s tariff policy. The average US tariff on Thai imports is 2% while Thailand levies an average tariff of 8% on US products

Thailand revises tourism strategy after earthquake
World

Thailand revises tourism strategy after earthquake

Minister of Tourism and Sports Sorawong Thienthong said that a tourism risk and crisis management team will be established to support the industry, with representatives from organisations in the tourism supply chain, such as the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Roads Authority.

Belgian monarchs' state visit to open new chapter in bilateral cooperation
World

Belgian monarchs' state visit to open new chapter in bilateral cooperation

As a major player in the region and one of the most dynamic economies in Asia, Vietnam is an indispensable partner for Belgium. The meetings with the various Vietnamese authorities will therefore offer an excellent opportunity to further deepen and enrich this diverse partnership, according the Belgian Federal Public Service of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.

Indonesia rolls out people's schools initiative
World

Indonesia rolls out people's schools initiative

Indonesia's Ministry of Social Affairs has identified over 200 potential sites for the establishment of people’s schools (Sekolah Rakyat), a programme designed to provide free, quality education to children from economically disadvantaged families.