Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun. Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Wednesday said that China stands ready to work with ASEAN countries to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea,mk actively advance the consultations of the code of conduct in the South China Sea (COC), strive to conclude the COC at an early date, and jointly keep the South China Sea peaceful and stable.

Guo Jiakun, spokesperson of Chinese Foreign Ministry, made the remarks on Wednesday in response to a media inquiry regarding China-ASEAN relations and disputes in the South China Sea, as media reported that Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called on Tuesday for a "conclusion" of the COC "as soon as possible" to address and solve disputes in the South China Sea.

The spokesperson said that what China takes away from growing its relations with ASEAN is to properly handle and solve differences through the Asian Way of friendly consultation. China stays committed to resolving the relevant disputes through negotiation and consultation with the states directly concerned in the South China Sea.

Malaysia is the current chair of the ASEAN. In a speech on Monday, Anwar said ASEAN's relationship with China needs to grow beyond traditional trade and investment and focus on preparing the region for future challenges, warning that artificial intelligence (AI) and fresh American tariffs threaten to upend the global economy, the South China Morning Post reported.

Guo said that under the strategic guidance of leaders of China and ASEAN countries, the vision of building a China-ASEAN community with a shared future is well received and great progress has been made in building a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful and amicable home.

Guo emphasized that China and ASEAN have been each other's largest trading partners for years running. Our negotiations with ASEAN to upgrade to free trade area 3.0 have been substantially concluded. 

The visa-free arrangement between China and other countries, including Malaysia, has produced remarkable results, and the "Lancang-Mekong visa" policy was officially launched. China and Malaysia have always been the key players in upholding peace in the Asia-Pacific and promoting development there, Guo said.

Guo added that China supports Malaysia in assuming the rotating chairmanship of ASEAN. We stand ready to work with Malaysia to bring about more bright spots in China-ASEAN cooperation in economy and trade, digital transformation, industrial and supply chains, green development, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges, among other fields, strive for coordinated advances in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, the three global initiatives, and ASEAN community building in a mutually reinforcing way, and help regional cooperation produce more outcomes.

Global Times