China’s Dedication to Enhancing Belt and Road Collaboration

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has underscored China’s strong commitment to advancing cooperation along the Belt and Road initiative during a series of crucial meetings with leaders from Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The discussions took place in the backdrop of the 20th China-ASEAN Expo and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit held in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The Premier also emphasized the vital role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in shaping regional affairs.

In his meeting with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Premier Li reaffirmed China’s dedication to upholding high-quality construction of the Belt and Road in Laos. He stressed the need to unlock the potential of the China-Laos Railway to drive mutual development and pledged China’s support for Laos’ domestic development capabilities. This backing included increased imports of high-quality Lao products and enhanced people-to-people exchanges.

Premier Li further assured support for Laos in its role as the rotating chair of ASEAN the following year, emphasizing China’s commitment to forging a shared future between China and ASEAN. The Lao Prime Minister expressed gratitude for China’s support for Laos’ socioeconomic growth and reiterated Laos’ steadfast adherence to the one-China principle.

During discussions with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Premier Li emphasized China’s willingness to enhance imports of high-quality Vietnamese products and improve border and smart ports to facilitate trade between the two countries. He advocated for stronger cooperation in rail connectivity, key minerals, and the establishment of mutually beneficial industrial and supply chains. Both sides concurred on the importance of managing differences through dialogue and consultation while upholding fairness and justice.

Pham Minh Chinh reiterated Vietnam’s unwavering commitment to the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with China, ensuring that Vietnam’s foreign relations would not compromise the interests of other parties. Vietnam expressed its support for China’s development trajectory and adherence to the one-China principle.

In discussions with Indonesian Vice-President Ma’ruf Amin, Premier Li prioritized cooperation, highlighting initiatives like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Corridor and the “Two Countries, Twin Parks.” He advocated for intensified exchanges and collaboration in various sectors such as education, culture, tourism, youth, and sports. China also expressed its readiness to bolster multilateral cooperation with Indonesia while upholding ASEAN’s unity and centrality, and maintaining the correct direction of East Asian cooperation. The Indonesian Vice-President was eager to deepen bilateral cooperation in the economy, trade, and people-to-people exchanges while enhancing coordination in regional and multilateral affairs.

Lastly, in talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Premier Li emphasized China’s dedication to aligning development strategies, continuing high-quality Belt and Road construction, and ensuring the successful implementation of cooperation projects. These meetings underscored China’s dedication to strengthening ties and fostering collaborative efforts within the Belt and Road framework, further promoting regional development and prosperity.