At the 26th ASEAN Plus Three Leaders’ Meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia on Wednesday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang warned of the risks of entering a “new Cold War.”
In a speech addressed to the body, Li said that in the “overall interests of East Asia’s peaceful development,” similarities and differences must be managed, and member states must “work together to promote regional development, prosperity and stability.”
New Cold War
Noting that the international community at present was “entering a new period of turbulence and change,” Li said that the world was facing common challenges such as “economic slowdown, climate change, and geopolitical interference.”
“Differences and disputes between countries are being magnified intentionally or unintentionally. The cause of global development is facing huge challenges,” the representative said.
Under such circumstances, Li added that the world must “persist in seeking common ground while reserving differences” and focus on “giving priority to development in regional cooperation, eliminating all kinds of interference,” squeezing the potential of cooperation, and striving to create a more stable path.
He added that the “most effective way to eliminate misunderstandings is to strengthen communication and enhance understanding and trust through sincere communication.”
Chinese Premier Li Qiang said at the 26th China-ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia Wednesday that as long as China and ASEAN countries keep to the right path, whatever storms may come, their cooperation will be as firm as ever and they can press ahead against all odds...… pic.twitter.com/BFQQFcV5ST
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) September 6, 2023
“It is very important at present to oppose choosing sides, standing in teams, [avoiding] Bloc confrontation and “new cold war,” properly handle differences and disputes among countries,” he underscored.
Supply Chains
Li said that the practice of “decoupling and breaking chains” and hyping up “de-risking” goes against economic laws and “politicises economic and trade cooperation.”
To this end, the Chinese diplomat called on the ASEAN+3 to leverage its advantages in “geographical proximity and economic complementarity,” optimise and upgrade regional industrial and supply chains, and jointly enhance regional economic competitiveness.
Japan’s Fukushima Water Release
Li also utilised the forum to repeat Beijing’s concerns about Japan’s “disposal of nuclear-contaminated water,” which he said affected “the global marine ecological environment and public health.”
Japan should “faithfully fulfil its international obligations, fully consult with neighbouring countries and other stakeholders, and dispose of nuclear-contaminated water in a responsible manner.” the vice-premier said.