Jakarta: China has called for stronger strategic coordination with Russia to support an ASEAN-centred, open, and inclusive regional cooperation framework in the Asia-Pacific, describing the region as a vital hub for growth and collaboration. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that the Asia-Pacific is the shared neighbourhood of China and Russia, and both countries, as key ASEAN dialogue partners, should work together to strengthen coordination within East Asian cooperation platforms.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Wang Yi emphasized that as important dialogue partners of ASEAN, China and Russia should support an ASEAN-centred, open, and inclusive regional cooperation framework. This initiative aims to ensure the correct development direction of the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN Regional Forum, promoting the East Asia cooperation mechanism to build consensus on development and become a significant engine for global development.
Wang Yi made these remarks during his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the ongoing 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and related meetings. He also mentioned that China and Russia exchanged views on the Iranian nuclear issue, stressing that dialogue and negotiation are the only fundamental solutions to such conflicts. China values Iran’s commitment to not seeking nuclear weapons and respects its right to use nuclear energy peacefully.
As permanent members of the UN Security Council and important parties to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), China and Russia should continue to strengthen strategic coordination to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue, safeguard the international non-proliferation regime, and work for peace and stability in the Middle East.
Additionally, the two ministers discussed the Palestinian-Israeli issue and other international and regional issues of mutual concern. Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to strengthening dialogue and strategic partnership with China, particularly in the Asia-Pacific, amid complex global developments that require closer coordination and cooperation.
Lavrov also mentioned Russia’s support for China in assuming the rotating chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and their plans to work together to prepare for the next phase of high-level exchanges and cooperation in various fields. They also aim to strengthen communication and coordination within frameworks such as BRICS, which originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2010.