On July 27, 2024 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the 31st ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Vientiane.

Wang Yi said that we are currently in a turbulent and chaotic era, with prolonged regional conflicts, increased geopolitical confrontations, and emerging security challenges such as climate change, terrorism and cybersecurity. Unilateralism and the Cold War mentality are on the rise, coupled with more and more military and security "small circles". The ASEAN-led ARF, as the major multilateral security dialogue platform in the Asia-Pacific, has made important contributions to regional peace and stability.

Wang Yi put forward four suggestions on addressing current challenges.

First, adhere to the vision of peace. It is necessary to accommodate the interests and aspirations of all parties and pursue common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. The U.S.-led "Indo-Pacific strategy" exacerbates security dilemmas and runs counter to the vision of long-term peace and prosperity in the region. NATO's intervention in the Asia-Pacific is bound to trigger confrontation and escalate tensions. All parties must be on high alert and firmly oppose it.

Second, uphold the ASEAN Way. It is needed to enhance mutual trust through dialogue and promote security through cooperation. ASEAN's status as a zone of peace, freedom and neutrality should be respected, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia and other regional rules recognized by all parties be followed, and an ASEAN-centered, open and inclusive regional architecture be supported.

Third, consolidate the foundation for cooperation. China supports injecting more vitality into trust-building measures and preventive diplomacy. It proposes promoting security cooperation in areas including nuclear facilities and cybersecurity, increasing dialogue and exchanges in counter-terrorism, deradicalization and combating transnational crimes, among others, as well as making efforts to expand common security interests in a proactive response to emerging security challenges.

Fourth, adhere to dialogue and consultation. External interference cannot solve problems, and confrontation and pressure will only exacerbate tensions. No matter how complex the problem is, dialogue and consultation should be upheld. No matter how intense the conflict is, political solutions cannot be abandoned. As for the conflict in Gaza, ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, as well as humanitarian assistance are the top priorities. The principle of "Palestinians governing Palestine" is the basic principle for post-war reconstruction, and the "two-State solution" is the fundamental way out. As for the Ukraine crisis, efforts should be made to create conditions for peace talks, cooling down the situation by observing the three principles of no expansion of the battlefield, no escalation of fighting, and no fanning by any party over the flames.