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China eager to boost cooperation with ASEAN amid US tensions
Li participated in an online meeting with leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, in which he apparently called for an early conclusion of talks on a so-called code of conduct with ASEAN to avert clashes in the South China Sea.
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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang attends the closing session of the National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China May 28, 2020. (Reuters/Carlos Garcia Rawlins)
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hinese Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday voiced willingness to bolster cooperation with ASEAN member states, as its security tensions with the United States have been escalating over regional issues including the South China Sea.
Li participated in an online meeting with leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, in which he apparently called for an early conclusion of talks on a so-called code of conduct with ASEAN to avert clashes in the South China Sea.
"We have always taken ASEAN as a priority in China's diplomacy," Li said during the virtual gathering, adding, "We firmly support ASEAN's greater role in regional and international affairs."
Li also welcomed the 30th anniversary of China-ASEAN dialogue relations this year.
Claiming sovereignty over almost the entire maritime area, Beijing has rapidly built artificial islands with military infrastructure in the South China Sea -- home to some of the world's busiest sea lanes.
In a bid to challenge Chinese actions in the waters, US warships have stepped up "freedom of navigation" operations there.
China, which is competing with the United States for influence in Southeast Asia, is believed to want a code of conduct that would include a provision intended to curb US intervention in the waters.
