China, ASEAN vow to consolidate strategic partnership

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (C) poses for a group picture during his meeting with foreign ministers from the ten countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and ASEAN Secretary-General Le Luong Minh (1st R) in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 29, 2013. ASEAN foreign ministers came to Beijing to attend a special China-ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting on Thursday to mark the 10th anniversary of the formation of the China-ASEAN strategic partnership. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Thursday agreed to consolidate and deepen their strategic partnership.

The pledge came out of a meeting between Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and foreign ministers of ten ASEAN members as well as ASEAN Secretary-General Le Luong Minh, on the sidelines of the special China-ASEAN foreign ministers meeting to mark the 10th anniversary of the formation of the China-ASEAN strategic partnership.

Li lauded the development of China-ASEAN relations as promoting regional stability and prosperity. He said China steadily pursued the way of peaceful development, took the relationship with ASEAN as a priority in its regional diplomacy, and pursued the policy of good

Li said China will continue to consolidate the strategic partnership with ASEAN, support ASEAN's integration, and be glad to see ASEAN play a leading role in regional cooperation.

He noted that through friendly consultation, China and ASEAN countries will respect each other, increase mutual trust and handle disputes with to promote long-term friendship and win-win situations.