On June 14, 2016, after attending the Special China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a press conference.

Wang Yi expressed that as the first group meeting of foreign ministers of both sides this year and a meeting against the background of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of China-ASEAN dialogue relations, this Special China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting time has important and special significance. It is safe to say that this meeting is a timely and important strategic communication. The meeting has consolidated and expanded the consensus on cooperation between both sides and uttered the common voice of China and ASEAN countries to devote themselves to maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Wang Yi noted that all foreign ministers agree that with great accomplishments since its establishment 25 years ago, China-ASEAN dialogue relations have become the most extensive, fruitful and closest relationship among various dialogue partnerships between the ASEAN and other sides. The dialogue relations have vigorously promoted respective economic and social development and cooperation in East Asia, and become an important pillar to peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region.

Foreign ministers agreed that China-ASEAN relations boast great potential and broad space. There is much to do in strengthening bilateral cooperation. We are fully confident and capable of creating another 25 years with more and new glory.

Wang Yi said that in China-ASEAN relations, cooperation far outweighs differences, and that opportunities far outweigh challenges and unity far outweighs friction. We should grasp the mainstream of China-ASEAN relations as a whole, make efforts to strengthen political mutual trust, focus on win-win cooperation, properly manage and control differences, and eliminate all distractions, so as to make China-ASEAN relations to continuously move forward along the correct track.

Wang Yi pointed out that China and ASEAN countries have become a community of highly-intertwined interests, forming a landscape of interwoven interests and interdependent development. Both sides should join hands to achieve common development, security and prosperity.

China and ASEAN countries are becoming a community of common responsibility that goes through thick and thin together. Facing the current chaotic world, our region should not become a new tumultuous land again. We have decided to assume our responsibilities, and strengthen communication with all countries and organizations that share the will of constructive cooperation, so as to jointly well maintain peace and stability in the region.

The goal for China and ASEAN countries is to build a closer community of common destiny, which was proposed by President Xi Jinping during his visits to ASEAN countries. Both China and ASEAN countries are important emerging economies in the world and vital forces to promote cooperation in East Asia, maintain regional stability, expand interests of developing countries and boost world economic growth. We should understand our historic responsibilities from a more macroscopic strategic level, and make efforts to build a closer community of common destiny, so as to build the community of shared destiny of Asia and even mankind with countries in the region and the world.

Wang Yi expressed that to promote the sustained and healthy development of China-ASEAN relations, China suggests both sides to strengthen strategic communication, deepen political mutual trust, and discuss on the signing of the Treaty of Good Neighborly and Friendly Cooperation between China and ASEAN Countries. Both sides should actively integrate development strategies, support Lancang-Mekong cooperation and narrow down internal development gaps so as to realize common development. Education and tourism should be set as priorities of social and people-to-people and cultural cooperation in order to forge a new pillar for China-ASEAN relations. Both sides need to adhere to properly resolve complex and sensitive issues through friendly consultations. Speaking positively of the important significance of the construction of the ASEAN community, China reiterated its firm stance on supporting the ASEAN integration process, the central role of the ASEAN in regional cooperation and a greater role of the ASEAN in international and regional affairs.

Wang Yi said that the commemorative summit marking the 25th anniversary of China-ASEAN dialogue relations will be held in Laos this coming September, and the Foreign Ministers' Meeting this time has also achieved the important goal of preparing for the summit. It is believed that with joint efforts of China and ASEAN countries, the commemorative summit will be a complete success.