ASEAN countries will hopefully dispel disruptions from inside and outside and steer the steady development of China-ASEAN relationship, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday.
Wang made the urge as he met with Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan in Vientiane, Laos.
Wang Yi said that China-ASEAN relationship is developing in a sound way on the whole while facing various challenges, and concerted efforts are needed to safeguard the big picture of China-ASEAN relationship.
"China stands ready to work with Singapore, the country coordinator for China-ASEAN dialogue relations and ASEAN countries to get rid of disruptions from inside and outside and steer the steady development of China-ASEAN relationship," Wang said.
The two sides should enhance political mutual trust, promote mutually beneficial cooperation, maintain regional stability, and jointly forge an even closer community of shared future, he added.
Vivian Balakrishnan said that ASEAN-China relationship is developing with a sound momentum.
Challenges notwithstanding, disputes should not and will not hold back the growth of ASEAN-China relationship, and the two sides shall reach consensus to demonstrate the strength of ASEAN-China relationship through dialogue and cooperation, he said.
Singapore would like to work with China to strive for positive outcomes from this meeting and send out positive signals for deeper cooperation between ASEAN and China, he added.
In another development, Wang met with Brunei's Minister of the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Lim Jock Seng on Sunday.
Wang said that the two sides have been in sound communication on the South China Sea issue while bearing in mind the larger picture of bilateral and China-ASEAN relations.
Wang noted the Dual Track approach first proposed by Brunei and championed by China.
The approach calls for specific disputes to be resolved through peaceful consultations by parties directly concerned and stability in the South China Sea to be jointly maintained by China and ASEAN.
Wang said the approach "complies with the articles of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), with the principles of international law represented by the UN Charter, and with the common aspiration and interests of regional countries."
"This approach met some disruptions, but as things settle down, the importance and effectiveness of the Dual Track approach is reaffirmed by all parties," Wang added.
Lim Jock Seng said Brunei has been upholding the Dual Track approach and calling for the South China Sea dispute to be resolved peacefully through bilateral and diplomatic consultations, which serves the common interests of ASEAN and all parties.
Brunei will continue to uphold this position, he said, adding that ASEAN should cooperate with China, push forward the implementation of the DOC, and advance consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, which is of crucial importance to regional peace and stability.
