7 November 2017
Assistant Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou,
Secretary-General Yang Xiuping,
Your Excellencies the Ambassadors,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
ASEAN jointly celebrates with China the sixth anniversary of the founding of ASEAN-China Centre.
Since its establishment in 2011, ASEAN-China Centre has contributed to promoting better understanding among the peoples of ASEAN and China and to realizing economic opportunities which further broaden the regional economic pie and narrow the development gap within and among countries.
The flagship projects and activities initiated and participated in by ASEAN-China Centre annually in the areas of trade and investments, tourism, cultural exchanges, people-to-people contacts, and public diplomacy at the national and local government levels have further increased awareness among the peoples of ASEAN and China that their shared aspirations for a better and more prosperous life in a peaceful and stable environment could best be achieved through enhanced cooperation and mutual support.
ASEAN-China Centre’s numerous achievements in the past six years is a testament to the collective will of the governments of ASEAN Member States and China to set sail on a course towards a community with a shared destiny.
Last year marked 25 years of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations while this year is ASEAN’s 50th Anniversary.
Guided by this year’s Philippine Chairmanship theme – Partnering for Change, Engaging the World – ASEAN Member States reaffirm their common aspirations for an ASEAN that endeavors to effect positive change in the lives of its peoples by being proactive, relevant and transformative.
ASEAN’s core priorities for this year are: building a people-oriented and people-centered ASEAN, maintaining a peaceful and stable region, cooperating in maritime security, advancing inclusive and innovative-led growth, and promoting ASEAN as a model for regionalism and as a global player.
For the past 26 years as Dialogue Partner, China has supported ASEAN – in its efforts to realize its ASEAN Community Vision 2025, in its centrality in the evolving regional architecture through ASEAN-led processes, in enhancing connectivity within ASEAN and the region by supporting the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 (MPAC 2025), in increasing production capacity aimed at creating more opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMES), in advancing science and technology, as well as other relevant areas such as defense, non-traditional security issues, education, health, environmental protection and disaster management.
Furthermore, China continues to be ASEAN’s largest trading partner since 2009.
For the past six years and henceforth, in areas of mutual concern, ASEAN-China Centre has endeavored to implement agreements between ASEAN and China that are aimed at further interweaving bilateral ties.
ASEAN-China Centre’s accomplishments and successes, however, would not have been possible were it not for the dedication, hard work and commitment of the men and women of the Secretariat under the leadership of its Secretary-General who proactively implemented the directives of ASEAN-China Centre’s Joint Council.
The Philippines on behalf of ASEAN Member States acknowledges the efforts of Secretary-General Yang Xiuping to further strengthen ties between ASEAN and China.
Since assuming office in May 2015, Secretary-General Yang has worked tirelessly, shuttling between ASEAN countries and provinces in China to further strengthen linkages between the two sides at the national and local levels.
As a result of ASEAN-China Centre’s accomplishments, it is notable that the revised MOU on the establishment of the ASEAN-China Centre for the period 2017-2022 was signed in Manila last 6 August.
Going forward, ASEAN remains fully supportive of ASEAN-China Centre's endeavors in shaping a better future for the peoples of ASEAN and China.
Thank you and Mabuhay!