6-9-2023 (SINGAPORE) Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong emphasized the importance of leadership and dialogue between the United States and China to address global issues during a summit between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Mr. Lee expressed the region’s concern over the trajectory of US-China relations and highlighted the potential impact on peace, prosperity, and stability in the region. The summit, held in Jakarta, marked China’s continuous pursuit of peace and development, with both ASEAN and China aiming to preserve regional stability through their actions.
One of the key topics discussed at the ASEAN Summit and related meetings was the US-China rivalry, which has put pressure on global economies and stability. While Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in June helped alleviate the strained ties, analysts remain skeptical about the ability of the rival powers to bridge their deep divide.
Prime Minister Lee also addressed the challenging issue of the South China Sea, highlighting China’s claims over the disputed area and the need for ASEAN and China to intensify efforts to conclude a Code of Conduct in accordance with international law. Negotiations for the code of conduct, originally planned to be completed in 2021 but delayed due to various reasons including the pandemic, would provide a framework for resolving disputes in the South China Sea.
In addition to the South China Sea issue, Prime Minister Lee urged ASEAN and China to enhance cooperation in emerging areas such as the digital and green economies. He suggested upgrading the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area, liberalizing the air transport agreement, and cooperating on the digital economy to facilitate seamless and sustainable cross-border transactions.
Chinese Premier Li emphasized the strong trade relations and strategic trust between ASEAN and China, highlighting their close exchanges, communication, and mutual respect for each other’s development path. He also mentioned China’s separate agreements with six ASEAN countries to build a community with a shared future, expressing the hope to expand such agreements with more countries in the future.
The ASEAN Summit also included meetings with South Korea President Yoon Suk-yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Prime Minister Lee expressed concerns about the situation on the Korean Peninsula and reiterated Singapore’s commitment to work with the international community to promote peace and stability in the region. He also called for closer cooperation between ASEAN, South Korea, and Japan in the digital economy and cybersecurity, emphasizing their importance for post-pandemic recovery and future growth.
The summit discussions and meetings reinforced the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and trust-building among ASEAN, China, South Korea, and Japan to address regional challenges, promote peace and stability, and drive economic growth in the Indo-Pacific region.
