China is satisfied with the achievements in relations between China and ASEAN and the situation in the South China Sea has "stabilized remarkably" in the past year, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Sunday.
Wang made the remarks while meeting with his Lao and Brunei counterparts separately on the sidelines of a series of ASEAN foreign ministers' meetings in Manila.
China and ASEAN countries agreed on a framework of the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea before schedule, and it indicates China and ASEAN countries are confident, capable and wise enough to manage divergences and maintain regional peace and stability, Wang told Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith.
Wang said he hoped key achievements made in China-ASEAN relations, including the South China Sea issue, in the past year, can be demonstrated objectively in the foreign ministers' meetings held here.
In the past year, China and Laos have cooperated closely and overcome interference to push ahead bilateral relations and China-ASEAN relations, Wang said.
He called Laos a friendly and close neighbor of China, saying the two countries have always understood, trusted and supported each other and China is willing to support Laos in speeding up development, boosting national power and improving people's livelihood.
Saleumxay said China and Laos have been long-term strategic partners, maintaining frequent contacts on high levels and Laos appreciates China for its assistance and support in Laos' development.
Both ASEAN and Laos consider China as an important partner and are committed to strengthening cooperation with China, the Lao minister said.
