Page 3 - ON BUILDING A HUMAN COMMUNITY WITH A SHARED FUTURE

ON BUILDING A HUMAN COMMUNITY WITH A SHARED FUTURE

Third, we need commitment to standing together and assisting each
other. China and the ASEAN countries are close and interdependent
partners who shoulder together the responsibility for protecting regional
peace and stability. Historically, the people of China and the ASEAN
countries have stood together and weathered storms together in the fight
for control of our national destinies. In recent years, from responding to
the Asian financial crisis to responding to the global financial crisis, from
contending with the Indian Ocean tsunami to contending with China’s
Wenchuan earthquake, the people of each of our countries have stood
shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand, and formed a powerful combined
force.
We should cast away the Cold War mentality, actively champion a
new vision of comprehensive security, common security, and cooperative
security, and jointly preserve peace and stability in our region. We should
deepen cooperation on disaster prevention and relief, cybersecurity,
combating cross-border crime, and joint law enforcement to create a
more peaceful, tranquil, and comfortable home for the people of the
region.
China is willing to work with the ASEAN countries to improve the
China-ASEAN defense ministers’ meeting mechanism and hold regular
dialogues on regional security issues.
With regard to the differences and disputes that exist between
China and some Southeast Asian states over territorial sovereignty
and maritime rights and interests, both sides must remain committed
to seeking peaceful solutions and handle issues appropriately through
dialogue in which each party is equal and through amicable discussion,
preserving bilateral ties and overall regional stability.
Fourth, we need commitment to mutual understanding and
friendship. We say in China that “A sturdy tree grows from a tiny
seedling; a nine-story tower starts with a shovel of earth.” To keep the
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tree of China-ASEAN friendship green, we must look after the soil of
social support that underpins our relations. Last year saw 15 million
people traveling between China and the ASEAN countries, and today
over 1,000 flights come and go each week. As interactions increase,
bonds become deeper, and our people become more closely connected.
We should encourage friendly exchanges between young people,

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