On March 26, 2024, Ambassador Hou Yanqi attended the First Meeting of the Group of the East Asia Summit (EAS) Participating Countries’ Ambassadors to ASEAN in Jakarta. The meeting was chaired by H.E. Bovonethat Douangchak, Permanent Representative of the Lao PDR to ASEAN. Ambassadors and representatives from the EAS participating countries as well as ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General were present.
Ambassador Hou introduced the spirit of the Two Sessions. China's overall economic recovery and growth is boosted. China will continue to maintain high-quality development, so as to inject more positive energy into regional economic growth, and provide greater opportunities for the development of countries in the region. China calls for an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. China is willing to work with all parties to actively implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, and build a community with a shared future for mankind.
Ambassador Hou briefed on the positive progress in practical cooperation with ASEAN and the EAS participating countries, and emphasized that China firmly supports the ASEAN-centered, open and inclusive regional architecture, actively promoting synergizing the Belt and Road Initiative and the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025, and continuously deepens cooperation in emerging areas such as digital economy, green economy, and energy transition. China is willing to work with all parties to accelerate the implementation of the EAS Plan of Action (2024-2028), balance political and security dialogue and economic development cooperation, to better safeguard regional stability and promote common development.
Ambassador Hou elaborated on China’s views on the regional situation. The complex challenges now facing the region is mainly resulted from the U.S. misguided perception of China and its constant provocation of geopolitical conflicts and confrontation. The U.S. should work with China to implement the “San Francisco Vision” agreed upon by the leaders, promote the stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations, and make positive contributions to regional peace and stability.
Ambassador Hou emphasized that the root cause and historical facts of the current developments in South China Sea are crystal clear. Instigated by non-regional countries, relevant party went against its commitments and frequently took infringing and provocative actions. China will continue to firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and legitimate maritime rights and interests. At the same time, China is willing to properly resolve maritime disputes through dialogue and negotiation with the countries directly concerned. China is committed to fully and effectively implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea with ASEAN countries and working towards an early conclusion of an effective, substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea that is consistent with international law.
Ambassador Hou elaborated China’s position on Taiwan, Hong Kong and Xinjiang related matters. She urged relevant countries to firmly observe the one-China principle, respect China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and stop interfering in China’s internal affairs.
The meeting had discussions on the EAS cooperation and implementation of the EAS Plan of Action (2024-2028), and exchanged views on regional development initiatives and security policies.
