Xi Jinping to Hold Video Conference with ASEAN Leaders on the 22nd

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] As the United States expands its influence in the Southeast Asian region, Chinese President Xi Jinping will unusually attend the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) summit in person.

On the 19th, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that President Xi will preside over a virtual summit on the 22nd to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of dialogue relations between China and ASEAN.

Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, explained at a regular briefing that President Xi will review the development and experiences of the bilateral relationship with ASEAN leaders, who are close neighbors and important cooperation partners, and outline a future blueprint.

Spokesperson Zhao said, "Since establishing dialogue relations in 1991, China and ASEAN have achieved rapid development and become the largest trading partners, the most dynamic cooperation partners, and the most meaningful strategic partners," adding, "The decision to hold the summit once again demonstrates the high importance placed on the bilateral relationship."

He continued, "China hopes to work with ASEAN countries to promote a qualitative upgrade of bilateral relations and build a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future to advance regional peace, stability, and prosperity."

This meeting was arranged as a response to U.S. President Joe Biden's attendance at the ASEAN summit on the 26th of last month, with China proposing a special meeting excluding the U.S., attended only by President Xi and ASEAN leaders.

President Xi's presiding over this meeting is interpreted as a move to emphasize China's regard for ASEAN while countering the United States.

Earlier, President Biden, attending the ASEAN summit for the first time in four years as a U.S. president, emphasized in his speech that "ASEAN is a central pillar of regional security and prosperity," and proposed cooperation between the U.S. and ASEAN.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.