7-9-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Discussions on the second day of the 43rd Asean Summit continued to focus on calls for mutual trust, reinforced stability, and ongoing engagement with China.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that future cooperation between Asean and China would largely depend on multilateral relations. He underscored that Malaysia and its Asean partners view China as an important neighbor and a significant trade, investment, and security ally.
Anwar stressed that the foundation for future collaborations should be built on trust and discussions at the multilateral level, particularly in terms of security and safeguarding the interests of both China and Asean. He made these remarks during Malaysia’s intervention at the 26th Asean-China Summit held alongside the 43rd Asean Summit and related summits in Jakarta.
The summit at the Jakarta Convention Centre commenced with Anwar’s participation in the 26th Asean-China Summit, attended by Asean leaders and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
Anwar also highlighted the importance of maintaining multilateral dialogue platforms in areas of security, given the region’s critical need for stability. He noted that the Chinese Premier’s presence at the summit strengthened camaraderie among all stakeholders.
This discussion comes in the wake of China’s release of a map featuring a “10-dash line,” which appeared to expand the territory it claims in the South China Sea. Several Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, protested against this new map. However, Asean is eager to reach an agreement on a long-discussed code of conduct for the South China Sea.
Anwar conveyed Malaysia’s unwavering stance on protecting its sovereignty and emphasized the country’s desire to enhance its relationship with China. He suggested that cooperation should commence with the third version of the Asean-China Free Trade Agreement.
Anwar also mentioned Malaysia’s Madani Economic Framework and highlighted the importance of cooperation on issues related to food security and digital information. He praised China’s leadership in innovation, technology, and technical education, noting the significant transformation these aspects have brought to both China and its neighbors.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo echoed similar sentiments in his opening speech, emphasizing the need for concrete Asean-China cooperation with a focus on mutual trust.
This summit marks Chinese Premier Li’s debut on the Asean stage and his first visit to an Asian country since assuming office in March. Li has stressed the importance of avoiding a “new Cold War” when dealing with conflicts between countries and called for the appropriate handling of differences and disputes.
