Looking into the Future and Seeking Common Development
To Advance the Building of a Closer ASEAN-China Community with a Shared Future
-------keynote remarks by Ambassador Hou Yanqi at the inauguration for the ASEAN-China Research Center of the University of Indonesia
（March 4, 2024）
Prof. Athor Subroto, Director of School of Strategic and Global Studies, University of Indonesia,
H.E. Sugeng Rahardjo, former Ambassador of Indonesia to China,
Dear guests and experts,
Professors and students:
Good afternoon!
I am delighted to visit University of Indonesia, one of the leading universities in the world with long history and high achievements. I would like to extend my gratitude to the School of Strategic and Global Studies for inviting me for the event.
Today, the ASEAN-China Research Center, directed by Dr Humprey Arnaldo Russel, was officially inaugurated and becomes the first think tank in Indonesia focusing on ASEAN-China studies. On behalf of the Mission of the People’s Republic of China to ASEAN, I would like to extend my warm congratulations! Just now, We planted three fruit trees, which symbolizes the fruitful results of ASEAN-China cooperation.
The seminar to be held today, under the theme “Towards 33 years of ASEAN-China Relations: Building a Regional Peace Ecosystem to Achieve Shared Prosperity”, highlights two key words, “peace ecosystem” and “shared prosperity”. The meaning of the two words are of great significance in a world undergoing profound changes and turbulence. It is related to our common security environment and the development rights and interests of the people in the region, and is the general direction towards which all countries in our region need to work together.
Dear friends,
I assumed the post of Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to ASEAN at the end of 2022. Last year, Indonesia as the chair of ASEAN, held a series of important meetings on regional cooperation under the theme of “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth”, and reached numerous consensuses and achievements with other countries. I have the opportunity to participate in and witness the process, and was deeply impressed by the value of ASEAN, the close relationship between ASEAN and China, and the significance and unlimited potential of ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
As the most successful regional cooperation organization in Asia and even in the world, ASEAN has always adhered to the “ASEAN Way” since its establishment, upholding the principles of reaching consensus through consultation, taking into account the comfort of all parties, as well as properly handling differences through dialogue and negotiation. It has established the ASEAN-centered, open and inclusive regional architecture. ASEAN and regional countries have actively practiced true multilateralism and open regionalism, and uphold the principle of independence. ASEAN and regional countries have actively promoted economic integration as well as dialogue and exchanges among different civilizations. All of these have helped to transfer our region into a highland of cooperation and development. We all deeply benefit from the process and have full confidence in the bright future and huge opportunities of our region.
At the same time, we must keep clear-minded that the world today is undergoing major changes unseen in a century and entering into a new period of turbulence and transformation. The Cold War mentality and confrontation between major powers are resurgent. Unilateralism and power politics are impacting the international system. Traditional and non-traditional security threats are intertwined. The spillover effects of the Ukraine crisis and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict continue to intensify.
Some countries place their own interests above the common interests of all countries and mankind. They pursue so-called “decouple” or “de-risk”, build “small yard, high fence” and practice trade bullying in the name of so-called “national security”. This behaviour politicized normal global economic and trade relations as well as science and technology innovations cooperation, and seriously impeded economic globalization. It will eventually undermine the legitimate rights and interests of all developing countries.
Against this background, how the region can reduce risks and maintain a peaceful environment for development has become an important topic for all of us.
As a responsible major country, China has always pursued a long-term perspective of common security and development of all mankind, and been committed to proposing Chinese solutions to the questions in the century, which is “what kind of world to build and how to build it”. The Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs which was held at the end of last year made it clear that China’s external work should focus on the theme of building a community with a shared future for mankind.
This concept emphasizes that human beings live in the same homeland, share weal and woe, and have a connected future, so we must share rights and responsibilities in international affairs. With the goal of building an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world of lasting peace, universal security and shared prosperity, we are committed to promoting global governance that features extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit. The guiding principle of building a community with a shared future for mankind is to apply the common values of humanity. The basic underpinning lies in building a new type of international relations. The strategic guidance comes from the implementation of the Global Development Initiative(GDI), the Global Security Initiative(GSI) and the Global Civilization Initiative(GCI), and the platform for action is high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.
This concept is in sharp contrast to the mentality of zero-sum game, self-centered and selfish interest. It will surely bring a completely different future to the development of mankind.
Since it was proposed in 2013, the concept has expanded from Chinese initiative to international consensus, and from a beautiful vision to rich practices. It has been written into the resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly for seven years consecutively, and numerous documents between China and ASEAN and other countries. It has increasingly received acknowledgement and support from the international community, especially the vast number of developing countries, and injected a strong boost to global governance, demonstrating strong vitality and great potential.
Dear friends,
China and ASEAN are neighbors connected by mountains and rivers with cultural affinity. We are a natural community with a shared future. Since the establishment of dialogue relations 33 years ago, ASEAN-China relationship has gone through an extraordinary journey and become the most successful and vibrant example for cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.
In 2013, President Xi Jinping proposed to build a closer ASEAN-China community with a shared future. Up to now, China has reached important consensus separately with seven ASEAN countries on building a community with a shared future. In 2021, China and ASEAN took the lead in establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership. China is also working together with ASEAN to build peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful and amicable home.
In 2023, the trade volume between China and ASEAN reached USD 911.7 billion, making China and ASEAN each other's largest trading partners for four consecutive years. By July 2023, the two-way cumulative investment surpassed USD 380 billion, and China has established more than 6,500 direct investment enterprises in ASEAN countries.
China and ASEAN also enjoy fruitful Belt and Road cooperation. The Jakarta-Bandung High Speed Railway is the first high-speed railway in Southeast Asia. The China-Laos Railway has successfully transformed Laos as the only “land-locked country” in ASEAN into a “land-linked country”. The Belt and Road Initiative keeps benefiting the whole region through specific projects in individual countries.and promote regional economic recovery and sustainable development.
Looking ahead, China will continue to pursue neighborhood diplomacy featuring amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness. We will work even harder with ASEAN to build a closer ASEAN-China community with a shared future and contribute more to the common peace, stability and prosperity in the region.
First, we will continue to enhance political mutual trust. China always gives priority to ASEAN in its neighborhood diplomacy, unswervingly supports ASEAN centrality, unswervingly supports a more united, independent and developed ASEAN, and unswervingly support ASEAN in playing a bigger role in regional and international affairs. China is willing to work with ASEAN to promote the principles and spirit of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, uphold the concepts of peace, development, independence and inclusiveness, adhere to the right direction of regional cooperation, and inject more certainty and positive energy for the peace and prosperity in our region.
Second, we will deepen practical cooperation in all aspects. China will continue to work with ASEAN to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and promote the implementation of GDI, GSI and GCI. The Lao PDR as ASEAN Chair in 2024 has announced the theme: “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience”. China will provide full support the Lao PDR, and is willing to advance greater progress of the Belt and Road cooperation with ASEAN countries. China will also promote the high-quality implementation of the RCEP and its accession procedure of new members. China will work with ASEAN countries towards the early conclusion of ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 negotiations. China is ready to deepen cooperation with ASEAN in emerging industries such as digital economy, blue economy, low-carbon transformation and artificial intelligence, and jointly ensure the stable and smooth functioning of global industrial and supply chains.
Third, we will strengthen people-to-people exchange. China has signed mutual visa exemption agreements with ASEAN countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. We will take more measures to further facilitate cross-border people-to-people exchanges. This year is the “ASEAN-China Year of People-to-People Exchanges”. We will continue to carry out a series of activities in culture, education, tourism, media, think tanks, youth and other fields. Local exchanges and cooperation are also booming. China is willing to provide more scholarships to University of Indonesia and other ASEAN universities, and look forward to seeing more Chinese students get enrollment and study in Southeast Asian countries. All of these will bring our people closer than ever.
Fourth, we will manage differences peacefully. China is willing to handle South China Sea disputes through dialogue and consultation with countries directly concerned. We should also be alert to any attempts to incite provocation or sow discord from some ill-intentioned external forces. China will work with ASEAN member states to fully and effectively implement the DOC. We will also accelerate consultations on the COC, and make it an effective and substantive regional norm that is consistent with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS at an early date. It thus can provide legal safeguards for maintaining peace and stability and promoting cooperation in the South China Sea.
Fifth, we will jointly improve global governance. China and ASEAN, as members of the Global South, should jointly shoulder the responsibility of safeguarding the interests of developing countries. We should continue to practice true multilateralism, and work together to promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. We should continue to advocate open regionalism and build an open and inclusive regional architecture where all countries can share common peace, development and prosperity.
Dear friends,
2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people have gone through countless hardships and made remarkable achievements, thus opening the historical process of modernization. Especially under the strong leadership of President Xi Jinping, the socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era, and Chinese modernization has continued to make new progress.
In 2023, the Chinese economy rebounded and improved, with a total economic output of 126 trillion yuan, an increase of 5.2% compared to the previous year. As high-quality development continues to take fresh steps, new driving forces and advantages get further development. China remains the largest engine of global economic growth, contributing 32% to global economic growth.
The annual Two Sessions (the National People’s Congress and The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference) are convening in Beijing, which will offer the world China's domestic and foreign policies directions in 2024. China will continue to comprehensively deepen reform and opening up, and promote the building of a great modern country and national rejuvenation through the Chinese path to modernization.
China's development cannot be separated from the world, and the prosperity of the world also needs China. ASEAN countries are indispensable partners for China's development and prosperity. They will surely find more opportunities, gain more tangible benefits, and draw greater impetus from the process of China's national rejuvenation.
Dear friends,
Universities and think tanks have always played an important and unique role in ASEAN-China cooperation, providing continuous intellectual support. The Chinese Mission to ASEAN is willing to enhance exchanges and cooperation with University of Indonesia, School of Strategic and Global Studies, and the newly established ASEAN-China Research Center. I sincerely hope that you will bear in mind the development of history, the situation of the globe, and the well-being of the region, and think more independently, show more wisdom and put forward more suggestions. Let’s jointly contribute to building a peaceful, stable and prosperous region, and a closer ASEAN-China community with a shared future.
Thank you!
