China consults with Thailand on foreign policy

China's Assistant Foreign Minister Le Yucheng held talks with Thai officials on Wednesday on bilateral relations and other issues of mutual concern.

Le held foreign policy consultation with Sihasak Phuangketkew, Permanent Secretary of Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also met with Thailand's Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul and former foreign minister Surakiart Sathirathai.

Both sides expressed satisfaction at the development of bilateral ties. China and Thailand established comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership this year. China is committed to deepening mutual trust with Thailand, promoting cooperation in various aspects and bringing bilateral ties to higher level, Le said.

Le also made clear China's position on ties between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as well as East Asia cooperation,

China and ASEAN should cooperate in broader areas and at higher levels, giving top priority to economic development and social progress, he said. He also called on Thailand, coordinator between China and ASEAN, to step up efforts to promote China-ASEAN ties.

In addition, Le reaffirmed China's commitment to promoting East Asia Cooperation (EAC). China respects and supports ASEAN's role as the driving force of EAC, he said.

EAC should develop gradually and by consensus, taking the comfort zone and interest of all sides into consideration so that it can be built on a solid and sustainable foundation, he added.

"We should focus on the main trend and broad prospect, preventing EAC from being obstructed by certain issues and the interest of certain countries," Le said.