Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao made a five-point proposal in
Singapore on Tuesday on strengthening and deepening cooperation
among the 10 ASEAN countries and China, Japan and South Korea.
The Chinese premier said in his speech at the 11th ASEAN Plus
Three Summit that all the 13 countries should respect each other,
promote common development and coordinate economic and social
development and be inclusive and explore a model of development
that suits the region.
"The 10+3 countries should respect each other's independence and
sovereignty and each other's choice of social systems and
development models," Wen said.
"We should view the development of our neighbors as an
opportunity of development rather than a threat, strengthen good
neighborliness and mutual trust and promote state-to-state
relations based on equality."
The Chinese premier noted that despite great achievements made
in East Asia, several hundred million people are still living in
poverty in Asia, and the per capita income of the least developed
Asian country is less than one percent of the richest one in the
region.
Therefore, "we should uphold our common interests and promote
common development and prosperity," Wen said.
The Chinese premier also underscored the importance of balanced
economic and social development in East Asia.
He said while enhancing cooperation in economy and trade in the
region, it is also necessary to increase political and security
consultations, expand social and cultural exchanges, enhance
cooperation in energy, environmental protection and tackling
climate change and promote sustainable development of East
Asia.
Wen called on the 13 countries to explore and develop models and
ways of cooperation that are compatible with the diversity of the
region.
"Mutual respect, inclusiveness and complementarity between 10+3
cooperation and other cooperation mechanisms in the region should
be encouraged," Wen said.
The premier also renewed China's promise to build friendships
and partnerships with its neighbors and actively participate in
regional cooperation.
"China strives to develop itself through further opening up and
contribute to the development of East Asia and the world," he
said.
(Xinhua News Agency November 20, 2007)
