A)Foreign Affairs

Department of Medical Sciences investigates samples from the batch and finds that the sediment is safe.

June 30 There are 91,792 confirmed cases with 4,636 deaths in mainland China, 259,301 confirmed cases with 2,023 deaths in Thailand, 50,385 confirmed cases with 602 deaths in Cambodia, 2,121 confirmed cases with 3 deaths in Laos, 157,277 confirmed caseswith 3,334 deaths in Myanmar, and 16,863 confirmed cases with 81 deaths in Vietnam.

January 2 State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi remarks at an interview with Xinhua News Agency and China Media Group on the internationalsituation and China’s diplomacy in 2020 that China will work with ASEAN to defeat the pandemic, bolster regional economic recovery, and stay committed to sustainable development. Moreover, China will further upgrade opening-up and cooperation, advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation

January 11-12 State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi pays an official visit to Myanmar.

On January 11, Wang Yi meets with Myanmar’s President U Win Myint, State Counsellor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi, and Union Minister for the Office of the State Counsellor U Kyaw Tint Swe. Both sides are willing to implement the agreement on the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC), support the Kyaukphyu Deep Sea Port, the ChinaMyanmar Border Economic Cooperation Zone, the New Yangon City, extend activities of the ChinaMyanmar Year of Culture and Tourism 2021, promote people-to-people exchanges, and play an active role in advancing China-ASEAN relations and Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC). China will continue to support Myanmar to fight against the pandemic and provide anti-pandemic supplies and Covid-19 vaccines.

On January 12, Wang Yi meets with Commander-inChief of Defense Services Min Aung Hlaing. He says that China will continue to back Myanmar in safeguarding its sovereignty, national dignity, and legitimate rights and interests. Myanmar will support the China-Myanmar friendship and China’s stance on issues related to Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Xinjiang.

Both sides sign the 5-Year Plan for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Myanmar, the Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation between the Chinese and Myanmar governments, and the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Conducting a Feasibility Study of the MandalayKyaukphyu Section of the China-Myanmar Railway. They initiate the construction of China-aided Myanmar National Center of Disease Control (CDC). China also announces that it will offer annual assistance to the peace process of Myanmar.

January 14 State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with Secretary-General of ASEAN Lim Jock Hoi in Brunei. Both sides pledge to further enhance ChinaASEAN relations, promote the Blue Economy Partnership, improve public health and Covid-19 vaccine cooperation, support the China-ASEAN Year of Sustainable Development Cooperation, and strengthen cooperation in the digital economy and people-to-people exchanges.

January 15 President Xi Jinping sends a congratulatory message to Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith on his election as the new general secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party’s Central Committee. The election is announced by the LPRP at the 11th party congress in Vientiane.

January 21 President Xi Jinping has a telephone conversation with General Secretary of LPRP Central Committee Thongloun Sisoulith. Both sides agree to further strengthen high-level exchanges, advance the construction of the China-Laos Economic Corridor and the China-Laos Railway, promote the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and deepen cooperation in

culture, youth, tourism, and so on. They announce the official launch of the China-Laos Friendship Year. China will extend support to Laos in fighting against the Covid-19 outbreak and provide vaccines.

January 31 President Xi Jinping sends a congratulatory message to Vietnamese President Nguyen Phu Trong on his election as Vietnam’s Communist Party chief for the third term. China wants to promote traditional friendship, deepen exchanges and cooperation, and promote the cause ofsocialism with Vietnam.

February 3 State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi holds a video meeting with Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith. Both sides are willing to support the China-Laos Economic corridor, the BRI, and the China-Laos Railway. China wants to strengthen cooperation with Laos in fighting the pandemic and provide vaccines and anti-pandemic support. The two sides agree to promote ChinaASEAN partnership on blue economy and the LMC and put the RCEP into effect.

February 7 China donates the first batch of Sinopharm vaccines to Cambodia. Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong says that this is the first vaccine that Cambodia had received so far. The donation symbolizes Cambodia-China's long-lasting friendship and cooperation.

February 8 (1) President Xi Jinping has a phone conversation with Vietnamese President Nguyen Phu Trong. Both sides want to deepen political mutual trust, promote the synergy of the BRI with the "Two Corridors, One Economic Circle," support the construction of crossborder economic cooperation zones and manage the maritime disputes to promote regional peace and stability.

(2) China donates Sinopharm vaccines to Laos. Lao Minister of Health Bounkong Syhavong and Chinese Ambassador to Laos Jiang Zaidong receive the vaccines at the Wattay International Airport. Jiang Zaidong hands over the vaccines to Lao Vice

President Phankham Viphavanh at the Lao Health Ministry.

February 9 Cambodian Government Spokesperson Ek Tha praises the Chinese government for stability and development in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region as he observed that Xinjiang’s economic development and people’s livelihood have been improved.

February 25 Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian remarks at a regular press conference that countries have approved the emergency use of Chinese Covid19 vaccines. China will continue to promote the equitable global distribution of vaccines and make Covid-19 vaccines global public goods. China provides vaccine aid to 53 countries and Chinese enterprises export vaccines to 27 countries so far.

March 7 State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi answers questions about China’s foreign policy and external relations at a virtual press conference in Beijing. The highlights include “head-of-state diplomacy” through cloud diplomacy of President Xi Jinping, working with other countries to fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, the BRI, vaccine nationalism, multilateralism, China-ASEAN relations, and Myanmar tensions.

He raises a 3-point proposal on the Myanmar situation. First, China hopes all parties in Myanmar will address differences through dialogue and consultation within the constitutional and legal framework. Second, China supports ASEAN to uphold the principles of non-interference in internal affairs and make decisions through consensus. Third, China will not change the course of promoting friendship and cooperation with Myanmar.

Regarding China-ASEAN relations, Wang Yi states that China supports ASEAN to fight against the pandemic and provides vaccines for ASEAN. China will align its new development paradigm with the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework. China wants to work with ASEAN to press ahead with

consultations on the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea and continue with full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DOC) in the South China Sea. This year is the 30th anniversary of China-ASEAN dialogue relations.

March 9 Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui attends the opening ceremony in celebrating the 30th anniversary of China-ASEAN dialogue relations and delivers a keynote speech via a videoconference. He stresses that China is willing to work with ASEAN to advance the China-ASEAN strategic partnership to new heights, elevate the bilateral relations, promote economic and social cooperation and the RCEP, accelerate the consultations on the COC in the South China Sea, and enhance cooperation in nontraditional security fields such as environmental protection, poverty alleviation, disaster prevention, and climate change.

March 12 Chinese Director of State Council Information Office Xu Lin attends the 6th Conference of ASEAN Plus Three Ministers Responsible for Information via a videoconference. Participantsagree to deepen media cooperation, facilitate policy alignment, and promote cooperation on joint production and broadcasting, personnel training, new-media application, and media digital transformation.

March 15 Chinese embassies in many countries, including Thailand, streamline visa application procedures for foreign nationals who have been inoculated with Chinese-produced Covid-19 vaccines. The criteria for emergency humanitarian visas, such as visiting family, attending funerals, or seeing critically ill relatives will be expanded, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

March 16 Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni visits the site of the first national congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Shanghai.

March 23 President Xi Jinping sends a congratulatory message to General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee Thongloun

Sisoulith on his election as Lao president. On the same day, Premier Li Keqiang sends a congratulatory message to Phankham Viphavanh on his election as Lao prime minister.

March 24 Phuket Province is the first destination to reopen in Thailand since the outbreak last year. Vaccinated foreign visitors visiting will be allowed entry to Phuket without quarantine from July 1, 2021. Visitors will be required to have received 2 doses of the vaccine in their home country before entering the province under the Phuket Tourism Sandbox campaign, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn.

March 26 The handover ceremony of the China-aided lighting system in downtown Vientiane, Laos is held at the Patuxay Monument Park. Chinese Ambassador to Laos Jiang Zaidong and Vientiane Mayor Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune attend the ceremony.

March 31 (1) China’s Guizhou Province and Laos’ Luang Namtha Province sign a letter of intent to become friendly provinces. They will carry out exchanges and cooperation in agricultural technology training, talent cultivation, and language learning.

(2) China donates the second batch of vaccines to Laos. Lao Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh and Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong attend the handover ceremony.

April 5 President Xi Jinping sends a congratulatory message to Nguyen Xuan Phuc on his election as the new president of Vietnam. He says that China is ready to work with Vietnam to promote the greater development of the bilateral comprehensive partnership. Premier Li Keqiang also congratulates Pham Minh Chinh on his election as Vietnam’s new prime minister.

April 13 State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attends a reception celebrating the 5thanniversary of the LMC. He states that China will work with Mekong

countries to promote development and create a new model of regional cooperation.

April 16 State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi has a telephone conversation with Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son. They are willing to strengthen cooperation in anti-epidemic, trade and investment, infrastructure, the synergy of the BRI and “Two Corridors and One Economic Circle,” maritime issue, and people-to-people exchanges. They support China-ASEAN relations, the connection between the LMC and the New International LandSea Trade Corridor, and the RCEP.

April 20 (1)Thailand's Royal Gazette publishes a copy of the format of the vaccine passport and an order by the Disease Control Department authorizing the Department officials to issue the vaccine passport. The vaccine passport is an official travel document for Thaiswho have already been vaccinated against the Covid-19 whentraveling to other countries.

(2)China donates 100,000 doses of animal vaccine for foot-and-mouth disease to Cambodia, according to China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. The bovine vaccine was developed by China Agricultural Vet Biology and Technology, a company based in Lanzhou.

April 21 State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attends the reception marking the 60th anniversary of China-Laos diplomatic relations. Both sides agree to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, implement the action plan on the China-Laos community with a shared future, strengthen the BRI, and accelerate the construction of the economic corridor.

April 22 State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi exchanges views on the Myanmar situation in a telephone conversation with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai and Bruneian Second Minister of Foreign Affairs Erywan bin Pehin Yusof. China expects that the upcoming special meeting of ASEAN leaders will be conducive

to promoting political reconciliation, showing ASEAN's constructive role, and fending off external interference on the Myanmar issue.

April 23 (1) State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi holds telephone talks with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai. The Thai side thanked China for offering support and assistance in fighting against the pandemic. China is willing to work with Thailand in the BRI, economic development, and epidemic prevention and control. They also exchange views on the situation in Myanmar.

(2) China will do its utmost to work with Cambodia to fight against the pandemic and continue to assist the country, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian.

(3) Premier Li Keqiang has a telephone conversation with Lao Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh to promote bilateral cooperation, upgrade ChinaASEAN relations, implement the RCEP, and safeguard the security and stability of the regional industrial chain and supply chain.

April 24 Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe and Vietnamese Defense Minister Phan Van Giang cochair the 6th China-Vietnam Border Defense Friendship Exchange to strengthen political trust, friendship, and cooperation between border forces andauthorities, and people in the border areas of the two countries. They sign a memorandum of continued research cooperation between the Chinese Academy of Military Sciences and the Vietnam National Defense Strategy Institute.

April 25 President Xi Jinping exchanges congratulatory messages with Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith on the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Premier Li Keqiang also exchanges congratulatory messages with Lao Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh.

April 26 (1) The Chinese Embassy in Thailand has released a list of 36 medical institutions in the country where people can seek a Covid-19 vaccination certification to travel to China.

(2) China donates the third batch of Sinopharm vaccine to Laos

April 26-28 Diplomatic envoys from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam visit the Nuozhadu and Jinghong hydropower stations in Yunnan Province, China. They learn about the running techniques of Chinese-built dams and the contribution of reservoirs to downstream countries. They call for closer collaboration in water resource management with China and exchange views about water resource cooperation with Chinese officials, experts, and hydropower plant executives. This visit is a part of the 2021 LMC Week on Water Resources to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the LMC cooperation.

April 27-30 The 104th Mekong River joint patrol by China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand kicks off. A total of 128 law enforcement officers and 7 vessels participate in the operation.

April 28 China donates the third batch of Sinopharm vaccines to Cambodia. Cambodia has received more than 4 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines from China and the COVX Facility.

April 30 The Thai Foreign Ministry says that the CCSA restores a 14-day quarantine for overseas arrivals starting from May 6, including vaccinated people, to curb the spread of the virus.

May 2

May 4 The Chinese government donates 500,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccine to Myanmar, according to the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar.

The Yunnan government sends a team of Chinese medical experts with medical materials to Vientiane, Laos to help the country in fighting the pandemic. The team includes experts in infection prevention

and control, intensive care, epidemics, and laboratory testing.

May 10 Authorities from China and Vietnam jointly release about 56 millionfish and post-larvae shrimp into the Beibu Gulf, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region to increase incomes and benefits for fishermen of both countries and support the sustainable development of the Beibu Gulf, according to ChineseVice Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Yu Kangzhen.

May 14 China donates 500,000 doses of the Sinovac vaccine to Thailand.

May 18 The 27th China-ASEAN Senior Officials’ Consultation is held via a videoconference. It is co-chaired by Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Jianghao and Philippine Deputy Foreign Minister Elizabeth Buensuceso. Participants are willing to deepen cooperation in pandemic control, economic recovery, connectivity, sustainable development and digital transformation, maintain the consultations on the COC in the South China Sea, and upgrade bilateral relations.

May 24 President Xi Jinping speaks with Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc on the phone. Both sides agree to play a role in the China-Vietnam Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation, promote the synergy between the BRI and the “Two Corridors and One Economic Circle” plan, expand bilateral trade, and strengthen people-to-people exchanges.

May 25 Chinese Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Wu Jianghao and Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Thailand Thani Thongphakdi co-chair the 5th Round of China-Thailand Strategic Dialogue online. They want to deepen practical cooperation in economy, trade and investment, connectivity, technological innovation, and clean energy. The Thai side hopes to align with Thailand's 20-Year National Strategy (2017-2036) with China's BRI.

May 28 Premier Li Keqiang sends aletter to congratulate the launch of the 2021 China-ASEAN Year of Sustainable Development Cooperation. He says that both sides should enhance collaboration in ecology and environmental protection, disaster prevention and mitigation, climate change, and poverty reduction.

June 1 Vietnam Airlines signs an agreement with the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) to use the digital health application IATA Travel Pass, starting from June 1. It is the country's first airline to pilot this application. The application allows travelers to store and manage certifications for Covid-19 tests or vaccines and facilitate travel between countries.

June 2

June 4

June 5 Yangon International Airport extends international passenger flight ban until June 30, according to Myanmar’s Ministry of Transport and Communications. Myanmar also extends the visa restrictions on international travelers to the country until June 30.

(1)Premier Li Keqiang holds a phone conversation with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to deepen pragmatic cooperation, synergize the BRI with the "Two Corridors and One Economic Circle," promote cross-border economic cooperation zone, and enhance cooperation in epidemic prevention and control. They agree to deal with maritime issues accordingto the previous consensus and safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea.

(2)The GX Foundation, a non-profit charitable organization based in Hong Kong, donates antiCovid-19 supplies, including personal protective equipment for medical staff, ventilators, and patient monitors,to Laos.Lao Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune and President of the GX Foundation Leung Chun-Ying attend the handover ceremony.

The second batch of 500,000 doses of the Sinovac vaccine donated by China arrives in Thailand, taking the total doses donated to 1 million.

June 7

June 8 (1) State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with ASEAN Secretary-General Dato Lim Jock Hoi in Chongqing, China. Both sides will work together on the epidemic control, supportthe RCEP, promote the China-ASEAN Year of Sustainable Development Cooperation, build the blue economy partnership, promote regional economic recovery, and upgrade the China-ASEAN relationship.

(2) Cambodia, in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), launches a new project to manage medical waste during the pandemic with China’s financial and technical support through the South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund (SSCAF). The 3 medical facilities, including the Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital, Chak Angre Health Center, and National Pediatric Hospital, participate in the project.

On the sidelines of the Special Asean-China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Chongqing, China, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai. Both sides discussed cooperation on Covid-19 vaccines, strategic connectivity through the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), and the Thai-Chineserailway project.

Wang Yi meets with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonnto push for the implementation of the China-Cambodia Free Trade Agreement, and promote cooperation on the BRI, law enforcement, and security. They jointly inaugurate the Consular Office of the Chinese Embassy in Sihanoukville, Cambodia.

Wang Yi meets with Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith to support the China-Laos Economic Corridor and the construction of the Laos-China Railway, and work together on the pandemic control and economic development.

Wang Yi meets with Myanmar’s Foreign Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin. China supports all parties of Myanmar in resolving differences through political dialogue, implementing the Five-Point Consensus reached with ASEAN, preventing future recurrence of violence, restoring social stability of the country, and resuming the democratic transformation under the Constitution and legal framework.

Wang Yi meets with Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son to strengthen cooperation on the fight against the pandemic, push for the progress in the construction of the BRI and cross-border economic cooperation zones, elevate the China-ASEAN relations, and drive forward the LMC.

June 15 The Chinese government donates the fourth batch of Sinopharm vaccines to Laos. Lao Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune and Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong attend the handover ceremony in Vientiane.

June 17 Chinese Chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee Li Zhanshu holds talks with Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman VuongDinh Hue via a videoconference to enhance mutual political support, promote cooperation between legislative bodies and bilateral ties.

June 20 Vietnam receives 500,000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine donated by China. The vaccines will be used for Chinese citizens in the country, Vietnamese who plan to work or study in China, and people who live near the borders with China, according to the Health Ministry.

June 28 President Xi Jinping sends a congratulatory message to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on the 70th anniversary of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP)’s founding.

June 29 Wang Yang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National