Premier advocates peace, economic integration at East Asia Summit

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Thursday called for maintaining peace and stability in East Asia and pushing forward regional economic integration and common development.[Special coverage]

Li, who is here for a series of leaders' meetings on East Asian cooperation and an official visit to Myanmar, said that the fundamental reason for East Asia's rapid development is a peaceful and stable regional environment.

"The two wheels of political and security field and the economic field should move forward at the same time," he said at the 9th East Asia Summit, calling on the economically dynamic region to strive for progress in both aspects.

GOOD-NEIGHBORLINESS

Stressing that durable peace and stability requires the backing of strong institutional arrangements, he said that China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members are discussing the possibility of concluding a treaty on good-neighborliness, friendship and cooperation.

"The treaty is aimed at providing an institutional framework and legal guarantee for peaceful co-existence between the two sides from generation to generation," Li said.

He said China is willing to sign legal documents with more countries in the region on good-neighborliness and friendship, and to discuss the security concepts and frameworks that are in line with the realities of the region.

China, which is firmly committed to the path of peaceful development, is ready to work with other countries in the region to build an Asian community of shared interests, shared responsibilities and a shared destiny, Li vowed.

He said China has always been an important force for peace and stability in the region. On non-traditional security, Li stated that China stands ready to work with others in the region to address issues including terrorism, infectious diseases, climate change and disaster management.

MARITIME ISSUES

Regarding the maritime issues, the premier said the overall situation in the South China Sea is stable and the freedom and safety of navigation in the region is ensured.

Li called on all parties to advance East Asia maritime cooperation. With next year being the Year of Maritime Cooperation between China and ASEAN, the two sides should take this opportunity to strengthen the dialogue between their maritime law enforcement organs and to effectively implement the projects under the China-ASEAN Maritime Cooperation Fund, he noted.