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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang called for solidarity, focus on development and expanded cooperation to join forces to counter challenges amid devastating COVID-19.
That came as Li addressed the virtual 15th East Asia Summit chaired by Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.
Noting that the pursuit of peace and development and the promotion of cooperation represent the prevailing trend of the times amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Li said that all parties must “stand together, focus in development, expand cooperation and join forces to overcome difficulties. “
Praising the summit’s balanced efforts over the past 15 years to promote political and security cooperation, as well as economic and social development, the prime minister made three proposals in terms of responding to the crisis and facilitating cooperation.
First, Li called for solidarity in fighting the pandemic and improving public health capacity, and called for a greater contribution from the summit in promoting the accessibility and affordability of vaccines. China supports Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that establish stocks of contingency medical supplies, Li said.
Second, Li said the summit should strengthen policy coordination to forge the joint economic recovery force, urging a regional network of personnel exchange “fast lanes” and logistics “greenways” to ensure stable operation. and seamlessly from industrial and supply chains. .
Third, the prime minister called on all parties to engage in pragmatic cooperation to enhance sustainable development capacity, promising greater efforts by China in climate change, counterterrorism, cybersecurity and other areas of cooperation.
On the issue of the South China Sea, Li said China is firmly resolved to safeguard peace and stability in the region, pledging China’s effort to uphold the rule of law on the international stage and working with the countries of the South. ASEAN to fully and effectively implement the Declaration. on the Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea and steadily advance consultations on the Code of Conduct.
Hailing the summit’s positive role in promoting regional peace, stability, and prosperity, participating leaders called for concerted efforts to combat the pandemic and enhance public health resilience. They also expressed support for ASEAN to play the central role of the summit and steps to facilitate cross-border trade and interconnectivity to promote economic recovery in the post-pandemic era.
The meeting was also attended by the leaders of 10 ASEAN countries, Russian President Vladimir Putin, President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Moon Jae-in, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, the New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, India Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and US National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien.
