KUALA LUMPUR: Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Monday called for strengthening the alignment of development strategies among East Asian economies, upholding openness and cooperation, and unleashing new economic potential to explore broader development prospects.
Speaking at the 28th ASEAN Plus Three Summit — comprising ASEAN members along with China, Japan, and South Korea — Premier Li congratulated Timor-Leste on its official entry into the ASEAN family and praised the steady momentum of regional cooperation over the past year.
Li noted that while the East Asian economy remains resilient and vibrant, the region is also facing mounting challenges due to complex global economic shifts, increased instability, and rising uncertainties.
> “Openness and cooperation are valuable experiences that have driven the East Asian miracle,” Li said. “They must be cherished and carried forward to ensure continued progress.”
He emphasized that the “East Asian Miracle” is not merely a historical achievement but an ongoing process, urging all sides to maintain a development-friendly environment, safeguard peace and stability, and resolve differences through dialogue and consultation.
The Chinese premier called for firm support of free trade and the multilateral trading system, and rejection of all forms of protectionism, highlighting the importance of regional economic integration.
Li also urged deeper cooperation in industrial and supply chains, leveraging each country’s strengths to enhance regional connectivity, division of labor, and resource efficiency. He said China is ready to work with regional partners to implement the summit’s statement on strengthening regional economic and financial cooperation, with practical collaboration in finance, trade, and food security.
Looking ahead, Li called for joint efforts to develop new growth drivers through scientific and technological innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable energy. He underscored China’s readiness to deepen cooperation in emerging sectors such as the digital economy, electric vehicles, and clean energy to seize future development opportunities.
Other participating leaders commended the ASEAN Plus Three mechanism for playing a vital role in promoting regional development and stability. They stressed the need to strengthen solidarity, economic integration, and sustainable growth, while advancing cooperation in trade, investment, green economy, food security, climate action, public health, and disaster response.
The summit, chaired by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, reaffirmed the commitment of all member countries to openness, mutual benefit, and a shared vision of a stable and prosperous East Asia.
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