BANGKOK, Nov 18 (NNN-TNA) – China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), pledged to further strengthen defence cooperation, to safeguard regional stability.
The pledge was made at the 10th China-ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting, which was co-chaired by Chinese State Councillor and Defence Minister, Wei Fenghe and Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister, Prawit Wongsuwan.
In the past year, China and ASEAN have been working to boost cooperation in defence and security, and actively implement the consensus reached by the two sides, making notable achievements, Wei said.
China and ASEAN have conducted two joint naval drills and the first exchange of defence think-tanks, said Wei, adding both sides have also conducted the first friendly exchange of middle-aged and young military officers.
Pointing out that the developments of both China and ASEAN are at a new historical point, Wei said, China will continue to firmly support the building of ASEAN community and ASEAN’s central role in regional cooperation.
ASEAN defence leaders spoke highly of the development of China-ASEAN ties, and expressed support for China’s proposals of promoting China-ASEAN defence ties.
They expressed the willingness to continue to enhance communication and coordination with China, and promote practical cooperation on defence and security, so as to jointly safeguard regional peace and stability and achieve development and prosperity.– NNN-TNA