During a routine press conference on October 8, 2023, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning provided updates on Prime Minister Li Qiang’s forthcoming diplomatic activities.
Li is set to participate in several key meetings in Vientiane, Laos, from October 9 to 12, including the 27th China-ASEAN (10+1) Leaders’ Meeting, the 27th ASEAN Plus China, Japan, and Korea (10+3) Leaders’ Meeting, and the 19th East Asia Summit (EAS), following invitations from Laos’ Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. Additionally, Li will visit Vietnam officially from October 12 to 14 at the invitation of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.
When asked about China’s view on current East Asian cooperation and expectations for the upcoming East Asia Leaders’ Meetings, Mao noted, “The world is entering a new period of turbulence and transformation. The East Asian region is experiencing positive momentum for peaceful development, but it now faces increasing instability and uncertainty. In light of this, countries and peoples in the region are more inclined to cherish the hard-earned peace and stability, seek common development, and address challenges through unity and collaboration.”
Mao expressed China’s endorsement of this year’s theme for the East Asia Cooperation Leaders’ Meetings—”ASEAN: Strengthening Connectivity and Resilience”—and praised Laos for its leadership as the ASEAN Chair. He emphasized China’s enthusiasm for working alongside ASEAN and other regional nations to foster consensus, strengthen mutual trust, and enhance cooperation to revitalize peace and prosperity both regionally and globally.
He identified several key areas for collaboration: enhancing regional economic integration to improve trade and investment liberalization; fostering new development opportunities by capitalizing on emerging industries; promoting cultural exchanges in tourism, youth engagement, and media; and reinforcing regional order by establishing a more inclusive ASEAN-centered cooperation framework.
In response to inquiries about China’s relations with Laos and Vietnam, Mao highlighted, “Laos and Vietnam are friendly socialist neighbors of China, with a long-standing tradition of friendship between our parties and nations. In this new era, under the strategic guidance of our highest leaders, the building of a China-Laos and China-Vietnam community of shared destiny has deepened, injecting robust momentum into our respective modernization efforts.”
He underscored the significance of Li Qiang’s upcoming visit as his first since assuming office, emphasizing its importance in advancing comprehensive strategic cooperation and deepening the community of shared destiny. Meetings are planned with top leaders in Laos, including the General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President Thongloun Sisoulith, as well as discussions with Vietnam’s General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong.
Mao concluded by expressing hope that this visit would strengthen traditional friendships, enhance strategic communication, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and promote connections among the peoples of China, Laos, and Vietnam, ultimately contributing to regional and global peace, stability, and development.
