"Our mutually beneficial cooperation is deepening
and our sense of seeking common security and development is growing," Chinese
Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said here at the 10th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) on
Wednesday.
"However, some traditional and non-traditional security issues are still
unresolved. Factors impeding peace and development linger on, and are sometimes
more acutely felt. We are still faced with many daunting challenges," he said.
The nuclear issue of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has a
key bearing on stability in this region, the minister said.
"Maintaining a nuclear-weapon-free Korean peninsula, addressing the security
concerns of the related countries and peacefully settling the issue through
dialogue would best serve the interests of all parties and most facilitate peace
and stability on the peninsula and in the region," he noted.
Another formidable task, he stressed, is to eliminate the threat of terrorist
and religious extremist forces. "We must strike hard on the two evils on the one
hand and seek to address both their symptoms and root causes on the other," he
said.
On the outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), he said the
China-ASEAN special summit "demonstrates our common will and strong resolve to
work hand-in-hand through this difficult period."
Talking about the relations between his country and the Forum, Li said,
"China attaches great importance to the role of this Forum and has been its
active participant and promoter."
Advocating for countries to enhance mutual trust through dialogue, settle
peacefully disputes through negotiations and promote common security through
cooperation, he suggested that the Forum increase participation by defense
officials. "This will greatly enhance mutual trust among countries and
contribute to regional peace and stability," he said.
"In this context, China suggests that the ARF could sponsor a Security Policy
Conference at an appropriate time to be attended mainly by military personnel,"
he went on to say.
He told the meeting that "The new Chinese government will firmly implement
the diplomatic philosophy of 'building good- neighborly relationships and
partnerships with neighboring countries' and work closely with other
Asia-Pacific countries to create a healthy and stable regional security
environment and make greater contribution to peace and development in this
region."
Foreign ministers and representatives from the members of the Association of
Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the 10 regional nations, and the European Union
attended Wednesday's meeting.
ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the
Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
