China, ASEAN agree to consolidate, deepen strategic partnership

China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 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, Xinhua reported. Li Keqiang lauded the development of China-ASEAN relations as promoting regional stability and prosperity. He said China steadily pursued the way of peaceful development and took the relationship with ASEAN as a priority in its regional diplomacy. 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.