H.E.Wang Qing, Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN, recently gave respective interview to the South China Morning Post (SCMP) and the Television of the Republic of Indonesia (TVRI) on the sidelines of the SCMP China Conference held in Jakarta.

Ambassador Wang stated that this year kicks off China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and marks the 5th anniversary of the China–ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.  China–ASEAN relations now stand at a new starting point, with fresh opportunities and broad prospects ahead. China and ASEAN should enhance the alignment of development strategies, continuously enrich the substance of cooperation, and create new highlights in collaboration. Both sides should jointly uphold the multilateral trading system, oppose protectionism, and inject more stability and certainty into the prosperity and development in the region and the world.

While answering the questions on tariffs, Ambassador Wang said, China-ASEAN economic and trade relations are built on a solid and resilient foundation. China has consistently respected ASEAN member states’ efforts to resolve trade differences with other countries through equal and constructive consultation. At the same time, such arrangements should not undermine the overall development of global trade or regional cooperation, nor should they harm China’s interests.