Paetongtarn pitches for closer ASEAN relations with China at Vientiane summit
ASEAN countries must strengthen bilateral collaboration with China to ensure a prosperous and stable future for the region, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said on Wednesday.
Speaking at the 27th ASEAN-China Summit in Vientiane, attended by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, she highlighted the importance of resolving disputes in the South China Sea through peaceful diplomacy and fostering mutual trust.
She highlighted ASEAN-China relations as a cornerstone for regional peace and prosperity, emphasising the potential for mutual development through extensive strategic partnership.
Paetongtarn outlined three key areas for cooperation.
Firstly, she urged enhanced economic integration and connectivity, commending the successful negotiations of the ASEAN-China FTA 3.0 and calling for the optimisation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, focusing on supply chain integration, the digital economy, green technology, AI, and smart agriculture.
Secondly, she welcomed the “ASEAN-China Year of People-to-People Exchanges”, stressing the need to foster unity among the over 700 million people in ASEAN, which includes implementing visa exemptions and increasing flight connections and scholarship opportunities.
Thirdly, she underscored the importance of security cooperation in tackling emerging challenges, such as transnational crime and environmental issues, expressing appreciation for China's role in addressing regional environmental concerns.
Addressing South China Sea tensions, she reiterated Thailand's commitment to a diplomatic resolution in line with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982.
Regarding the situation in Myanmar, she reaffirmed support for the Five-Point Consensus aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution.
At the summit, Paetongtarn will also participate in the 25th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Summit and hold bilateral discussions with leaders, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The event will conclude with a dinner hosted by the Prime Minister of Laos, Madame Vandara Siphandone, for attending government leaders and their spouses.
