ARCID China Update Vol.4, No.2

Asian Research Center for International Development (ARCID), Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand

ARCID china update

Volume 4, No. 2 ISSN 2630-0885

July - December 2021

ARCID China Update Volume 4, No. 2 July - December 2021

Compiled by Tarida Baikasame Research Associate

Asian Research Center for International Development (ARCID) School of Social Innovation Mae Fah Luang University Thailand

ARCID CHINA UPDATE VOLUME 4, NO. 2 JULY-DECEMBER 2021 © All Rights Reserved Compiled by Tarida Baikasame ISSN: 2630-0885 First published in 2018 by ASIAN RESEARCH CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (ARCID) School of Social Innovation, Mae Fah Luang University 333 Moo 1, Thasud, Muang, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand Tel : +66 5391 7137 Fax : +66 5391 6685 Email : arcid.social-innovation.school@mfu.ac.th Website : https://socialinnovation.mfu.ac.th/social-main/social-arcid/arcidindex.html Facebook page : www.facebook.com/ARCIDTHAILAND

Cover Photo by Usukhbayar Gankhuyag on Unsplash

Contents Preface

viii

Part I: The Chronology (July-December 2021) Coronavirus Update

3

(A) Foreign Affairs

20

(B) Political Affairs

33

(C) Economic Affairs

43

(D) Socio-cultural Affairs

57

Part II: Selected Documentation (July-December 2021) (A) Speech by State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Opening Ceremony of the Conference on Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations

63

(B) Speech by Premier Li Keqiang at the 7th Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit

67

(C) The Joint Declaration of the 7th Greater Mekong Subregion Summit

71

(D) Chronicle of International Cooperation on WHOconvened Global Study of Origins of SARS-CoV-2: China Part

71

(E) Speech by State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Reception in Commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations

71

(F) The China-ASEAN Joint Statement on Cooperation in Support of the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework

75

v

(G) The China-ASEAN Joint Statement on Enhancing Green and Sustainable Development Cooperation

82

(H) Speech by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the 24th ChinaASEAN Summit

85

(I) Speech by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the 24th ASEAN Plus Three Summit

90

(J) Speech by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the 16th East Asia Summit

94

(K) Speech by President Xi Jinping at the ASEAN-China Special Summit to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations

97

(L) The Joint Statement of the ASEAN-China Special Summit to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations

103

(M) Full text of President Xi Jinping’s 2022 New Year speech

109

Part III: Selected Analysis (July-December 2021) Foreign Affairs (A) China, ASEAN face multiple opportunities in blue economic parnership Ding Duo

115

(B) Smooth sailing for China and ASEAN despite interference of extraterritorial actors Chen Pingping

118

Political Affairs (C) US urges Asean to stand up to China Kavi Chongkittavorn

120

(D) 54 years on, Asean needs new modality Thitinan Pongsudhirak

123

vi

(E) US, West should refrain from encouraging civil war in Myanmar Global Times Editorial

126

(F) Aukus pact raises geopolitical tensions Thitinan Pongsudhirak

128

(G) Act now to save Mekong Bangkok Post Editorial

130

(H) The geopolitics of China’s CPTPP move Thitinan Pongsudhirak

132

Economic Affairs (I) China-ASEAN Digital Silk Road under construction Zhai Kun

135

(J) Coming clean on CPTPP Bangkok Post Editorial

137

(K) All systems go Wang Zhifang

139

(L) High-speed rail blues Bangkok Post Editorial

142

(M) Lauding RCEP: free trade for (almost) all Kavi Chongkittavorn

143

(N) Vilifying China-Laos railway exposes West’s ‘sour grapes’ thinking Hui Qing

146

vii

Preface

With economic reforms and the opening up of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to the outside world by Deng Xioaping and post-Deng leaders, China is now the largest economy (on a purchasing power parity basis). All indications show that China will be a superpower. The meteoric rise of China in the 21st century signals the successful comeback of China in regaining its respectful place in regional and international affairs. It also means challenges as well as opportunities for other parts of the world, especially for countries in the Asia Pacific region.

For many of us, the big question is: how should we deal with such a rising superpower? Other questions may include the following: Is China’s rise going to be sustained? What are the new directions mapped out

by Xi Jinping to develop China? What sort of developmental challenges will it face? Is China a threat according to some analysts? How can we promote a winwin relationship with China? How can we manage our problems, if any, with China in order to preserve peace and development?

To answer these questions, the Asian Research Center for International Development (ARCID) of the School of Social Innovation at Mae Fah Luang University has launched the China Watch Project with a grant from the Thailand Research Fund (TRF). We would like to express our thanks to the TRF for its funding support and suggestions in improving the project proposal.

As part and parcel of the China Watch Project, ARCID has established a Monitor and Analysis (M & A) Unit surveying and analyzing major developments in China. Located in Northern Thailand, ARCID would take advantage of its geography and focus its research more on the Mekong region and its relations with East Asia, including China. We hope this strategy could help a young research center to establish a niche in the academic, intellectual and policy community. In this regard, the ARCID China Update, a biannual publication, is produced by the M & A Unit to keep track of the developments in China with special reference to its interactions with the Mekong region. The publication includes a chronology, selected documentation, selected analysis, and at times, viii

appendices. Inaugurated in mid-2018, the ARCID China Update is published twice a year with each issue covering developments in China for the immediate past six months. Essentially, the publication is a record of the events and issues under review.

Lee Lai To, Ph.D. Senior Professor and Director ARCID

ix

x

Part I The Chronology

(I)The Chronology (July-December 2021) Coronavirus Update July 4

(1) The Lao government extends lockdown for 15 days until July 19 as the spread of the Delta variant has been confirmed in the country and the situation in neighboring countries remained risky. The government has introduced the “Lao Su Su" application. People can check-in and check-out the venues, book a Covid test, and reserve a vaccine via this application.

(2) More than 1.29 billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines had been administered in China, according to the National Health Commission (NHC).

(3) 1 million doses of the Sinopharm vaccine arrive in Thailand. 97 percent of 67,992 Sinopharm vaccine recipients in the country did not experience abnormal symptoms, according to Secretary-General of the Chulabhorn Royal Academy (CRA) Prof. Nithi Mahanonda. Only 0.1 percent had an adverse reaction such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath within 30 minutes of vaccination.

The National Research Council of Thailand and National Vaccine Institute reveal that more than 20 vaccines are being researched and developed, while 3 vaccines, including ChulaCov19, HXP-GPOVac, and Covigen, have started human trials.

July 6

Cambodia receives a new batch of the Sinopharm vaccine purchased from China. 3.33 million people were fully vaccinated, while 4.6 million people had received the first jab. The Health Ministry reports 56,122 confirmed cases. The death toll rises to 779.

July 7

(1) 2 million doses of the Sinovac vaccine arrive in Thailand, according to the Chinese Embassy.

(2) The WHO has recorded more than 4 million Covid-19 deaths globally, according to Director-

3 The Chronology

General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at a virtual press conference.

July 9

Vietnam plans to vaccinate 50 percent of people aged 18 and above by the end of this year and 70 percent by the end of March 2022, according to the Health Ministry. Nearly 4 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have been administered nationwide and around 250,000 people have been fully vaccinated so far.

July 10

(1) The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) reports 326,832 confirmed cases with 2,625 deaths in Thailand. The country ranks 62nd on the global list of most cases. The top is the US, followed by India, Brazil, France, and Russia.

(2) Cambodia receives new batches of Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines purchased from China, according to the Health Ministry. The country has vaccinated 4.79 million people, 47.9 percent of 10 million adult people. The country reports 59,978 confirmed cases with 881 deaths.

July 11

Thailand’s Public Health Ministry reveals that 618 of 677,348 medical workers who received 2 doses of the Sinovac vaccine have been infected. A nurse has died and another medical worker is in critical condition.

July 12

(1) Thailand’s Public Health Ministry announces that the vaccine strategy has switched from 2 doses of the Sinovac vaccine to a combination of the Sinovac vaccine for the first jab and AstraZeneca vaccine for the second jab. The new strategy was approved by the National Communicable Disease Committee to fight the Delta variant which is becoming dominant in the country.

(2) The global Vaccine Alliance Gavi announces that China will provide 110 million doses of Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines to participants of the COVAX.

4 The Chronology

July 13

The Vietnamese government says that the country will offer the Pfizer vaccine as a second jab for people who first get the AstraZeneca vaccine.

July 14

Myanmar reports 212,545 confirmed cases with 4,346 deaths. The country faces a severe shortage of oxygen machines.

July 15

Vietnam starts inoculating the first dose of the Sinopharm vaccine to Chinese nationals in the country under China’s “Spring Sprout” vaccination program.

July 16

The NHC reports 92,213 confirmed cases in China.

The number of deaths remains at 4,636.

July 17

Myanmar receives 3,000 tons of liquid oxygen purchased from China to fight against the pandemic in Mandalay, according to the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar. The country reports 218,739 confirmed cases with 4,536 deaths. It lacks oxygen to treat Covid-19 patients that increase rapidly.

July 18

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) suspends most domestic flights, starting from July 21 to decrease inter-provincial travel and prevent the spread of the virus.

July 20

(1) The Sinopharm vaccine has been approved for emergency use for young people aged 3-17 by China’s Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism of the State Council after it had completed the first and second stages of clinical trials in Henan Province.

(2) The CCSA reports 426,475 confirmed cases with 3,502 deaths in Thailand. The country ranks 52nd on the global list of most cases.

July 22

(1) Manoon Leechawengwongs, head of Vichaiyut Hospital’s intensive care unit and a respiratory expert, calls on the Thai government to stop buying the Sinovac vaccine as it cannot protect against all coronavirus strains and the immunity reduces over time. However, Secretary to the Public Health Minister Watcharapong Khuwijitsuwan defends the 5 The Chronology

quality of the Sinovac vaccine stating that the Health Ministry found the vaccine 75 percent effective against the Delta variant.

(2) Cambodia receives a new batch of the Sinopharm vaccine purchased from China. The country has vaccinated 6.33 million, 63.3 percent of the 10 million adult population so far. The Health Ministry reports 70,419 confirmed cases with 1,188 deaths.

July 23

The virtual Covid-19 meeting is held by the Chinese Consulate General in Mandalay, Myanmar, and China's Foreign Affairs Office of the Shanghai government for Chinese enterprises and communities in Mandalay. Zhang Wenhong, head of the Shanghai Covid-19 medical team, warns the Chinese community in Myanmar to remain on high alert for the local spread of the virus, get the vaccination, and decrease contact with others.

July 25

Thailand’s CRA receives 1 million doses of the Sinopharm vaccine purchased from China. The cost of the vaccine per person is 777 baht per dose.

July 28

Myanmar starts the vaccination for inmates for the first time. 2,500 of more than 9,000 inmates had registered for jabs.

July 31

China’s NHC reports 92,930 confirmed cases with 4,636 deaths. Thailand reports 597,287 confirmed cases with 4,857 deaths. There are 299,185 confirmed cases with 9,334 deaths in Myanmar, 6,299 confirmed cases with 7 deaths in Laos, 77,243 confirmed cases with 1,397 deaths in Cambodia, and 145,686 confirmed cases with 1,306 deaths in Vietnam.

August 1

(1) Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen says that Cambodia will give AstraZeneca vaccine as a booster dose for people vaccinated with Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines. The country begins the vaccination for people aged 12-17 with the Sinovac vaccine.

6 The Chronology

(2) Chinese cities conducted mass testing of millions of people and impose travel restrictions to contain the spread of the Covid-19. This round of infection started in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province.

(3) Thailand opens online registration for vaccination of expats via the website “http://expatvac.consular.go.th,” according to the Department of Consular Affairs. The country extends lockdown measures for 14 days from August 3 in 29 provinces in the dark red zone. Moreover, the CRA receives 1 million doses of the Sinopharm vaccine purchased from China.

August 2

Vietnam reports 174,000 confirmed cases with 2,071 deaths. Only 744,000 people have been fully vaccinated so far, according to the Health Ministry.

August 3

Wuhan launches comprehensive nucleic acid testing for all residents as the pandemic returns to the city.

China also imposes massive travel restrictions to fight against the Delta variant.

August 5

The number of Covid-19 cases worldwide is 200,174,883. The death toll is 4,255,892, according to the WHO. The top 3 confirmed cases are in the US, India, and Brazil.

August 6

More than 1.74 billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines had been administered in China, according to the NHC.

August 10

The CCSA reports 795,951 confirmed cases with 6,588 deaths in Thailand. The country ranks 36th on the global list of most cases.

August 11

(1) China donates a new batch of anti-epidemic materials to Cambodia. Chinese Ambassador Wang Wentian hands over the items to Phnom Penh Governor Khoung Sreng. China has provided 18.7 million doses to Cambodia, 3.2 million of them were donations, according to the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia. Cambodia has administered at least 1 dose of Covid-19 vaccines to half of its population,

7 The Chronology

8.3 million out of a population of 16 million. 6.4 million of the population have been fully vaccinated.

(2) Vietnam has administered more than 1.4 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, according to the Health Ministry. 1,036,102 people have been fully vaccinated. The country started the vaccination on March 8. The 4th wave of the pandemic started on April 27.

(3) The WHO announces that it will test 3 new drugs for Covid-19, including artesunate, imatinib, and infliximab, according to Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Researchers at more than 600 hospitals in 52 countries are involved in the test.

The WHO has tested 4 drugs in the previous round, including remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir, and interferon. But they resulted in little or no effect on Covid-19 patients.

August 12

(1) A new batch of 3 million doses of the Sinovac vaccine purchased by Cambodia arrives in Phnom Penh. Health officials say that Chinese-made vaccines are highly effective against the Delta variant.

(2) More than half of the Chinese population, 777 million people, have been fully vaccinated, according to the NHC. More than 1.83 billion doses of Coivd-19 vaccines had been administered.

August 13

(1) Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam starts administering the Sinopharm vaccine to its citizens, according to Deputy Head of the Municipal Health Department Nguyen Hoai Nam. The country reports 246,568 confirmed cases. Over half of the cases are in Ho Chi Minh City. The death toll is at 4,813.

(2) More than 22.50 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been administered in Thailand, according to the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. 7,350,243 people were given the first jab of the Sinovac vaccine, while 3,443,840 people were given a second jab. 1,254,460 people were given the first jab of the Sinopharm

8 The Chronology

vaccine, while 488,150 people were given a second jab.

(3) The Haudongcheng market in Ganzhou City, China finds the Covid-19 virus on the surface of durian packages imported from Thailand, according to the Office of Agricultural Affairs under the Thai Embassy in Beijing. Authorities of China's General Administration of Customs said that they will not suspend the import of products from the Thai supplier.

August 15

(1) 2 million doses of the Sinopharm vaccine and 1 million doses of the Sinovac vaccine arrive in Thailand, according to the Chinese Embassy. China had already delivered 24.55 million doses of vaccine to Thailand.

(2) Laos reports 10,092 confirmed cases with 9 deaths.

August 16

Thailand extends lockdown measures for Bangkok and 28 provinces until the end of August, according to the CCSA.

August 17

Vietnam reports 293,301 confirmed cases with 6,472 deaths. The government has extended lockdown measures in Ho Chi Minh City until August 31 due to the spread of the Delta variant.

August 18

A study from Thailand’s Department of Disease Control found that 2 doses of the Sinovac vaccine are 98 percent effective in preventing death and severe symptoms from Covid-19 and 72 percent effective in stopping infections, according to Dr. Thaweesub Sirapraphasiri.

August 19

Myanmar reports 365,759 confirmed cases with 13,945 deaths.

August 20

The number of Covid-19 cases in Thailand crosses 1 million with 1,009,710 confirmed cases. The death toll is at 8,826, according to the CCSA. 25,818,666 doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been administered nationwide.

9 The Chronology

August 24

(1) Cambodia has vaccinated 87.68 percent of the target population, according to the Health Ministry.

More than 9.85 million people have received the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, while about 8 million people have received a second dose. China had delivered 22.3 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines to Cambodia, including 3.8 million doses of donations, according to the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia.

(2) Vietnamese Prime Minister sends a letter to the head of the WHO and urges the COVAX to prioritize Vietnam as the country has fully vaccinated only 2 percent of 98 million people.

August 25

4,456,857 people have been vaccinated in Myanmar, according to the Ministry of Health and Sports. The Myanmar Chinese of Commerce (MCCOC) launches a vaccination program on August 24, according to the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar. 700,000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine will be delivered from China for the program. Myanmar reports 378,377 confirmed cases with 14,622 deaths.

August 26

China has banned all imports and exports at a border of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region that borders Vietnam to contain the spread of the Delta variant.

August 27

More than 2 billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines had been administered in China, according to the NHC. More than 889 million people have been fully vaccinated. 76 percent of the population have received at least 1 dose of Covid-19 vaccines.

August 29

2 million doses of the Sinopharm vaccine arrive in Thailand, according to the CRA.

August 30

The Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO) of Thailand signs a purchase agreement for 8.5 million antigen test kits (ATKs) with Beijing Lepu Medical Technology Company. The public criticized the deal as the US had banned the Lepu test kits due to concerns about their accuracy. However, the product has been approved by the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

10 The Chronology

August 31

(1) The WHO has been monitoring "Mu," a new coronavirus variant known as B.1.621. It was first identified in Colombia in January and classified as a variant of interest (VOI). The variant risks of resistance to vaccines need further studies.

(2) Cambodia receives a new batch of 2 million doses of the Sinovac vaccine purchased from China.

The country has received 27 million doses of Covid19 vaccines from the COVAX and other countries.

24.3 million doses of them are from China.

(3) The CCSA reports 1,204,729 confirmed cases with 11,589 deaths in Thailand. The country has administered 31,771,819 doses of Covid-19 vaccines nationwide. There are 399,282 confirmed cases with 15,389 deaths in Myanmar, 15,015 confirmed cases with 14 deaths in Laos, 93,055 confirmed cases with 1,903 deaths in Cambodia, and 462,096 confirmed cases with 11,504 deaths in Vietnam. The NHC reports 94,879 confirmed cases in China. The death toll remains at 4,636.

September 1

Myanmar’s Ministry of Health reports that more than 2.1 million people have been fully vaccinated nationwide. The country has 402,640 confirmed cases with 15,490 deaths.

September 2

(1) Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin says that China will provide 110 million doses of Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines to the COVAX by the end of October. China and the WHO have reached an agreement on long-term vaccine supply. The Sinovac, now a partner of the COVAX, has provided more than 1.8 billion doses of vaccines worldwide.

(2) Biogenetech, the licensed importer of the Sinopharm vaccine in Thailand, submits documents on using the vaccine for children aged 3 and above to the FDA.

11 The Chronology

September 3

(1) China has no new locally transmitted Covid-19 cases, according to the NHC. There are 94,954 confirmed cases with 4,636 deaths on the mainland.

(2) Thailand will slow down the purchase of the Sinovac vaccine for the rest of this year as it wants to focus on procuring vaccines that are safe for children, according to Deputy Director-General of the Disease Control Department Dr. Sopon Iamsirithaworn.

September 4

Cambodia receives 2 million doses of the Sinovac vaccine purchased from the Sinovac Biotech by the Cambodian government and 500,000 doses donated by the company, according to the Ministry of Health.

China has been the main source of vaccines for Cambodia, according to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. The country reports 94,839 confirmed cases with 1,950 deaths.

September 10

The CCSA reports 1,352,953 confirmed cases with 13,920 deaths in Thailand. The country ranks 29th on the global list of most cases. The total number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered nationwide is 38,873,359. There are 589,417 confirmed cases with 14,745 deaths in Vietnam, 427,516 confirmed cases with 16,353 deaths in Myanmar, 98,184 confirmed cases with 2,019 deaths in Cambodia, and 16,936 confirmed cases with 16 deaths in Laos.

September 12

(1) The NHC reports that more than 2.14 billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines had been administered in China.

(2) 4 million doses of the Sinopharm vaccine arrive in Thailand, according to the CRA. It is the 9th batch of the Siopharm vaccine since June 20, totaling 15 million doses.

September 16

Laos reports 18,059 confirmed cases with 16 deaths.

The Lao government announces the extension of a lockdown until September 30.

September 17

Cambodia starts vaccinating children despite WHO cautions about vaccines for children under 12 years 12 The Chronology

old. The country plans to give 2 jabs of the Sinovac vaccine to children aged 6-12 years old.

September 20

(1) The CCSA reports 1,489,186 confirmed cases with 15,469 deaths in Thailand. The CRA begins inoculating schoolchildren aged 10-18 years old in Bangkok and neighboring provinces with the Sinopharm vaccine ahead of class reopening.

However, the Sinopharm vaccine has not been approved for use on schoolchildren by the FDA. (2) Cambodia has administered at least 1 dose of Covid-19 vaccines to 12.05 million people, accounting for 75.3 percent of the 16 million population, according to the Health Ministry. 64.4 percent of them have been fully vaccinated and 5.2 percent have received a booster dose. The country has received 29.6 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines from bilateral procurement, the COVAX, and donations, according to WHO Representative to Cambodia Li Ailan. 76 percent of them were Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines procured from China and 14.5 percent were donated by China to Cambodia.

September 21

Ruili City bordering Myanmar in Yunnan Province increases efforts against imported cases by rewarding notification about stowaways, smugglers, and drug traffickers. The local epidemic prevention and control headquarters encourage residents to discover and report border crimes.

September 22

3.471 million people in Myanmar have been fully vaccinated as of September 18, according to Myanmar’s Ministry of Health.

September 24

Cambodia receives 3 million doses of the Sinovac vaccine purchased from China. This batch will be used to inoculate children aged 6-12, according to the Ministry of Health. 80 percent of the 16 million population have been administered at least 1 dose of Covid-19 vaccines. 67 percent of them have been fully vaccinated and 5.34 percent have received a booster dose.

13 The Chronology

September 26

(1) Over 2.197 billion Covid-19 vaccine doses had been administered in China, according to the NHC. (2) Myanmar receives 4 million doses of the Sinopharm vaccine purchased from China, according to the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar. A total of 16.6 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been supplied by China. 3.9 million doses of them were donated. Over 3.72 million people have been fully vaccinated nationwide, according to the Ministry of Health.

September 28

Cambodia receives 3 million doses of the Sinovac vaccine purchased from China, according to the Ministry of Health. They will be used to support the booster dose campaign.

September 30

The NHC had received reports of 96,128 confirmed cases with 4,636 deaths in China’s mainland. The CCSA reports 1,603,475 confirmed cases with 16,727 deaths in Thailand. There are 464,076 confirmed cases with 17,735 deaths in Myanmar, 23,846 confirmed cases with 19 deaths in Laos, 112,651 confirmed cases with 2,319 deaths in Cambodia, and 790,755 confirmed cases with 19,301 deaths in Vietnam.

October 1

There were 14 fatalities and 12 severe adverse reactions of Sinopharm vaccine recipients, according to the CRA’s report. The CRA has administered 9,373,448 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine so far.

October 2

A batch of 4 million doses of the Sinopharm vaccine from China arrives in Myanmar. China has delivered 20.6 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines to Myanmar.

3.9 million doses of them were donations, according to the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar. Myanmar's Ministry of Health reports that 3.86 million people have been fully vaccinated nationwide, while more than 4.4 million people had received first jabs. The country has extended international flight restrictions until the end of October to contain the spread of the virus.

14 The Chronology

October 8

Laos reports 27,607 confirmed cases with 24 deaths.

The country has imposed a lockdown in Luang Prabang Province until October 21.

October 9

Nearly 2.219 billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines had been administered in China, according to the NHC.

October 10

Thailand reports 1,710,884 confirmed cases with 17,691 deaths, according to the CCSA. The country ranks 24th in the global list of most cases.

October 11

Cambodia starts giving the third jab of the Sinovac vaccine to people who received the second jab at least 4 months in 11 of 14 districts of Phnom Penh.

October 13

The WHO announces a new expert group of 26 scientists to investigate the origins of Covid-19 and other future outbreaks.

October 15

(1) The total number of confirmed cases in China’s mainland is 96,488, according to the NHC. The death toll remains at 4,636.

(2) The Lao government extends national lockdown for 15 days until October 30. The country reports 31,188 confirmed cases with 36 deaths.

October 18

(1) Thailand will stop using the Sinovac vaccine when stock finishes, according to the Public Health Ministry. The country has used more than 31.5 million doses of the Sinovac vaccine since February.

In the future, the country will only procure vaccines effective against new variants. The country reports 1,793,812 confirmed cases with 18,242 deaths. The total number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered nationwide is 65,677,794.

(2) Cambodia’s Ministry of Posts and Telecommunication officially launches the “StopCovid QR Vaccine" QR Code to make it easier for the location of people involved in positive cases of Covid-19, quarantine control, and the individual vaccination information.

15 The Chronology

October 26

Laos’ health authorities have launched a Covid-19 vaccination certificate with a QR Code for authenticity and digital verification. The Covid-19 vaccine database will record personal data and vaccine information before creating the QR code and put it on the back of the vaccination certificate.

October 31

The NHC had received reports of 97,151 confirmed cases with 4,636 deaths in China’s mainland.

Thailand reports 1,912,024 confirmed cases with 19,205 death, according to the Ministry of Public Health. There are 500,073 confirmed cases with 18,697 deaths in Myanmar, 40,271 confirmed cases with 65 deaths in Laos, 118,522 confirmed cases with 2,788 deaths in Cambodia, and 921,122 confirmed cases with 22,083 deaths in Vietnam.

November 1

Cambodia starts to vaccinate children aged 5 years old with the Sinovac vaccine, according to the Ministry of Health. The country had vaccinated 85.86 percent of the 16 million population.

November 2

(1) 3.28 million people in Laos have received the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, accounting for 44.78 percent, while more than 2.8 million people or 38.38 percent were fully vaccinated. The Lao government extends lockdown for 15 days until November 14.

(2) The WHO reports 5,004,855 deaths of Covid-19 worldwide. The US has the highest number of confirmed cases and deaths.

November 7

Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) reports that 20,092 tourists have entered the country since the country reopened 17 provinces to vaccinated foreign visitors on November 1, and 15 of them have tested positive for Covid-19 upon arrival.

The country reports 1,975,591 confirmed cases with 19,703 deaths.

November 11

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA), a Myanmar ethnic rebel group, imposes a lockdown in a town bordering Yunnan Province, China due to the spread of the Delta variant across the country.

16 The Chronology

November 14

Cambodia announces no quarantine for fully vaccinated inbound passengers starting from November 15, according to Prime Minister Hun Sen.

November 16

More than 2.396 billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines had been administered in China, according to the NHC.

November 17

Cambodia reports 119,687 confirmed cases with 2,881 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health.

The country has administered at least 1 dose of Covid-19 vaccines to 14.08 million people, accounting for 88 percent of the 16 million population. Cambodia has received a total of 40 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines from bilateral procurement, the COVAX, and donations. 90 percent of vaccines were purchased from or donated by China.

November 20

Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health reports that there are 2,057,575 confirmed cases with 20,358 deaths. The total number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered nationwide is 88,330,952. The country ranks 24th in the global list of most cases.

November 22

As of November 19, 53.4 percent of adults in Vietnam were fully vaccinated. Almost 108 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines had been administered as of November 20, according to the Health Ministry.

November 26

The WHO declares the B.1.1.529 strain of Covid-19, first detected in southern Africa to be a variant of concern and named "Omicron." The variant was first reported to the WHO from South Africa on November 24.

November 29

(1) The WHO warns that the Omicron variant is likely to spread internationally and poses a very high global risk. It urges countries to accelerate vaccination of high-priority groups and maintain essential health services.

17 The Chronology

(2) Cambodia bans travelers from 10 African countries to contain the spread of the Omicron variant, according to the Health Ministry.

November 30

The NHC reports 98,711 confirmed cases with 4,636 deaths in China’s mainland. Thailand reports 2,115,872 confirmed cases with 20,771 deaths.

There are 522,402 confirmed cases with 19,104 deaths in Myanmar, 73,738 confirmed cases with 170 deaths in Laos, 120,134 confirmed cases with 2,940 deaths in Cambodia, and 1,238,082 confirmed cases with 25,252 deaths in Vietnam.

December 2

The Sinopharm is conducting research and development on vaccines against the Omicron variant. The company has provided 2.5 billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines to China and overseas markets and about 1 million doses have been provided to more than 100 countries.

December 6

(1) Thailand detects the first case of Omicron from an American businessman who arrived in the country from Spain on November 30, according to the Public Health Ministry. The country is the 47th country to detect the Omicron variant.

(2) Cambodia starts to vaccinate 5-year-old children with the Sinovac vaccine, according to the Ministry of Health.

December 7

The NHC reports 99,297 confirmed cases with 4,636 deaths in China’s mainland.

December 10

Thailand's Ministry of Public Health reports 2,160,780 confirmed cases with 21,112 deaths. The total number of Covid-19 vaccines administered nationwide is 96,821,760. The country ranks 24th in the global list of most cases. The top is the US, followed by India, Brazil, the UK, and Russia.

December 13

Cambodia receives a batch of 300,000 doses of the Sinovac vaccine through the COVAX, according to the Ministry of Health. The country has received a total of 40.8 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines from the COVAX, donations, and bilateral procurement. 90 18 The Chronology

percent of those were purchased from or donated by China. As of December 12, 88.7 percent of the population had received at least 1 dose of Covid-19 vaccines. The country reports 120,370 confirmed cases with 2,989 deaths.

December 14

(1) The WHO warns that the Omicron variant was spreading at an unprecedented rate. The variant had been reported in 77 countries. The first Omicron death was confirmed in the UK on December 13.

(2) Cambodia detects the first case of Omicron variant in a local woman who returned from Ghana via Dubai and Bangkok, according to the Ministry of Health.

(3) China detects the first Omicron variant in 2 patients in Tianjin and Guangzhou.

(4) Myanmar Chairman of State Administration Council and Prime Minister Senior General Min Aun Hlaing reveals that the country had administered 31,049,275 doses of Covid-19 vaccines. 12,693,945 people have been fully vaccinated. 5,661,385 people have received 1 dose.

December 18

(1) The Omicron variant has been reported in 89 countries. The number of cases is doubling in 1.5 to 3 days in the area with community transmission, according to the WHO. (2) Myanmar’s Ministry of Health reports 528,101 confirmed cases with 19,213 deaths.

December 20

Thailand records 2,194,053 confirmed cases with 21,408 deaths, according to the Ministry of Public Health.

December 22

Myanmar’s Ministry of Industry and China National Biotec Group, affiliated with China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm) sign a supply agreement for semi-finished vaccine products.

December 24

Secretary-General of the CRA Dr. Nithi Mahanonda reveals that 14,326,065 Sinopharm doses have been 19 The Chronology

administered in Thailand between June 25 to December 22. 23 recipients have died and 17 developed severe conditions after receiving a jab so far.

December 28

Vietnam detects the first Omicron variant in a patient who arrived in Hanoi from the UK on December 19.

December 31

The NHC reports 102,083 confirmed cases with 4,636 deaths in China’s mainland. There are 2,223,435 confirmed cases with 21,698 deaths in Thailand, 530,834 confirmed cases with 19,268 deaths in Myanmar, 111,060 confirmed cases with 372 deaths in Laos, 120,493 confirmed cases with 3,012 deaths in Cambodia, and 1,731,257 confirmed cases with 32,394 deaths in Vietnam.

(A) Foreign Affairs July 1

Thailand receives 1 million doses of the Sinovac vaccine from China to mark the Communist Party’s 100th anniversary, according to the Chinese Embassy in Thailand. The country starts the "Phuket Sandbox" campaign to allow foreign tourists from low and medium risks countries to travel to Phuket Province.

Visitors are required to be fully vaccinated at least days before their arrival. They do not have to be quarantined.

July 2

China donates protective equipment, including 100,000 pieces of surgical masks, 29,760 pieces of N95 masks, 12,975 pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE), and 10,000 pieces of medical gloves to Myanmar for the fight against the pandemic, according to the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar.

July 15

(1) Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Jianghao holds China-Vietnam diplomatic consultations with Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu to exchange views on the territorial border and maritime affairs. Both sides agree to strengthen cooperation in fighting the pandemic, handle differences with the Agreement on the Basic 20 The Chronology

Principles Guiding the Settlement of Sea-related Issues between China and Vietnam, and push forward maritime cooperation.

(2) The Chinese Embassy in Laos and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee's Commission for external relations holds an event to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith and Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong attend the event July 20

Li Zhanshu, chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, holds talks with Chuan Leekpai, president of the Thai National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives via a videoconference to enhance exchanges between their legislative bodies.

July 22

China donates a new batch of the Sinopharm vaccine and related materials to Myanmar, according to the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar.

July 26

(1) President Xi Jinping sends a congratulatory message to Nguyen Xuan Phuc on his re-election as president of Vietnam. China is ready to work with Vietnam to strengthen bilateral relations. Premier Li Keqiang also sends a congratulatory message to Pham Minh Chinh on his re-election as prime minister of Vietnam.

(2) A makeshift hospital with 204 beds is opened in Mandalay, Myanmar for the treatment of Covid-19 patients. The hospital is aided by Kunming, Yunnan Province, the sister city of Mandalay. The hospital provides 64 electrocardiograph (ECG) monitors, 12 ventilators, and other medical supplies.

July 28

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attends and delivers a speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Conference in Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations via a videoconference. He presents 5 proposals, namely, to enhance strategic mutual trust between China and ASEAN, deepen Covid-19 response cooperation, foster new growth drivers such as the Regional 21 The Chronology

Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), safeguard peace and stability, and uphold solidarity and coordination.

The Conference is hosted by the China Institute of International Studies.

August 1

China donates a batch of the Sinopharm vaccine to Cambodia, according to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. This is the fifth donation from China.

Cambodia also received 300,000 Covid-19 rapid test kits from China on July 31.

August 7

The 5th batch of China-donated Covid-19 vaccines arrives in Laos, according to Laos’ Ministry of Health.

August 10

(1) Myanmar receives funds for 21 projects from China under the LMC Special Fund. Myanmar Foreign Affairs Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin signs an agreement on the transfer of the funds with Chinese Ambassador Chen Hai. The LMC Special Fund has aided 73 projects in Myanmar so far.

(2) Gansu Province, China donates traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) medicaments to Thailand for fighting the pandemic, according to Yang Longjun, a Chinese provincial health commission official.

(3) Han Zhiqiang, the new Chinese ambassador to Thailand, arrives in Thailand and pledges to strengthen bilateral cooperation and work together to fight against the pandemic.

August 11

China donates the 5th batch of 1 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines to Laos. Lao Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh and Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong attend the handover ceremony in Vientiane.

August 18

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi holds telephone talks with Special Envoy of ASEAN to Myanmar and Bruneian Second Minister of Foreign Affairs Erywan bin Pehin Yusof to discuss the situation in Myanmar. They agree to advance dialogue among relevant parties in the ASEAN Way, 22 The Chronology

stop violence, and deal with all parties in Myanmar rationally and pragmatically.

On the same day, Wang Yi sends a written speech to the Pledging Conference to Support ASEAN’s Humanitarian Assistance to Myanmar hosted by the ASEAN Secretariat via a videoconference. He states that China and ASEAN must respect Myanmar’s sovereignty, resolve the issue within the ASEAN framework, and intensify humanitarian assistance to Myanmar.

August 21-28

Sun Guoxiang, Special Envoy for Asian Affairs of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs pays a visit to Myanmar. He meets with the leader of Myanmar Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Wunna Muang Lwin, and Union Minister for the Union Government Office Lieutenant General Yar Pyae to exchange views on the political landscape in Myanmar and cooperation in fighting the pandemic.

August 23

(1) The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China donates the Sinopharm vaccine to the Vietnamese military. It marks the first time that the Vietnamese military received the Covid-19 vaccine from foreign militaries, according to Vietnamese Deputy Minister of National Defense Hoang Xuan Chien.

(2) The PLA donates the 2nd batch of Covid-19 vaccines to the Lao People’s Army.

(3) China’s Ministry of National Defense donates 500,000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine to Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense. The Red Cross Society of China donates 100,000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine to the Cambodian Red Cross.

August 24

(1) Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh meets with Chinese Ambassador Xiong Bo before US Vice President Kamala Harris visits Vietnam. Pham Minh Chinh states that developing China-Vietnam relations is a strategic choice and a top priority of Vietnam’s foreign policy.

23 The Chronology

(2) The Chinese Embassy in Myanmar donates 140 oxygen concentrators to Myanmar’s Ministry of Health to help Myanmar fight against the pandemic.

August 27

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs donates antipandemic supplies, including protective and surgical masks, disposable protective suits, hand sanitizer gel, thermal scanners, and portable oxygen generators to Myanmar’s Kachin State.

August 31

Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Jianghao meets with Cambodian Ambassador Khek Caimealy Sysoda. Ambassador Sysoda, on behalf of Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, expresses deep sympathy to China over the floods in Henan Province and hands over the donation from the King and Queen Mother to the area affected by the floods.

September 3

(1) China donates Covid-19 vaccines and antipandemic supplies such as respirators, oxygenators, testing kits, and protective masks to Myanmar.

(2) The Chinese Embassy in Thailand says that the Sinovac vaccine is not a low-quality vaccine and ineffective. The vaccine represents the friendship and sincerity of China for Thailand. It has been approved by the WHO for emergency use and by Thailand's FDA for use in the country. Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai worries that the criticism of the Chinese-made vaccine will affect China-Thailand relations.

September 5

China donates the second batch of anti-pandemic supplies, including surgical gloves, masks, hazmat suits, medicine, nucleic acid testing kits, and oxygen generators, to Myanmar's Shan State.

September 7

(1) Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, meets with Tran Cam Tu, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and head of the 24 The Chronology

Committee’s Inspection Commission via a videoconference. Both sides agree to enhance interparty exchanges and deepen cooperation in discipline inspection and supervision.

(2) Chinese Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Wu Jianghao holds a video meeting with Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu to prepare for the 13th meeting of the steering committee for bilateral cooperation.

September 8

Wang Yang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets with President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Do Van Chien via a videoconference to strengthen exchanges and cooperation.

September 9

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi holds talks with Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith via a videoconference. Both sides are willing to fight against the pandemic, strengthen people-to-people exchanges, push forward the construction of the China-Laos Economic Corridor, and deepen the China-ASEAN relations.

September 10-11

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi pays an official visit to Vietnam. He co-chairs the 13th Steering Committee for Vietnam-China Bilateral Cooperation with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh. Both sides pledge to further enhance bilateral ties and maritime cooperation, avoid taking unilateral actions to expand the dispute or complicate the situation in the South China Sea, bring the RCEP into effect, strengthen Covid-19 vaccine cooperation, deepen the linkage between the BRI and the Two Corridor and One Economic Circle, and safeguard international justice and the common strategic interests. Wang Yi announces to provide 3 million more doses of Covid-19 vaccines to Vietnam by the end of this year.

25 The Chronology

Wang Yi meets and holds talks with General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son. September 12

China donates 4 million doses of the Sinopharm vaccine to Myanmar, according to the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar. China has supplied 12.6 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines to Myanmar, 3.9 million doses were donations.

September 12-13

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi pays an official visit to Cambodia. He meets with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen to enhance cooperation on fighting against the pandemic, boost bilateral trade, and safeguard regional peace and stability. Cambodia supports China on issues related to Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Xinjiang. Wang Yi and Hun Sen attend the handover ceremony of the Chinafunded Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh.

Wang Yi meets with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn to enhance cooperation fighting against the pandemic, the China-Cambodia free trade agreement (FTA), the construction of the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone, the linkage of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and the Lancang-Mekong Economic Development Belt, and the China-ASEAN relations.

Wang Yi also meets with Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong to exchange views on international and regional issues and vow to strengthen bilateral ties.

Cambodia supports the talks on the COC in the South China Sea between China and ASEAN.

September 15

Guo Shengkun, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee meets with Vietnamese Minister of Public Security To Lam via a videoconference to deepen law enforcement and security cooperation such ass combating online gambling and border crimes.

26 The Chronology

September 24

President Xi Jinping holds a telephone talk with General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong. Both sides agree to strengthen bilateral ties, uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea, and oppose politicizing the tracing of the COVID-19 origins.

September 28

(1) The Thai cabinet approves extending the Special Tourist Visa (STV) program for 1 year until September 30, 2022, to attract more foreigners with high purchasing power and stay for 90-270 days.

Over the past year, the STV program brought 5,609 visitors. The long-stay visitors came from China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, and Croatia.

(2) Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Zhao Kezhi and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Kheng attend a virtual meeting to promote the Year of Law Enforcement Cooperation between the two countries. Both sides agree to crack down on telecom fraud and online gambling, implement drug control, and prevent political security risks.

October 8

(1) State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attends and delivers a speech at the Reception in Commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of ChinaASEAN Dialogue Relations. He proposes to upgrade bilateral ties, lead the trend of development, improve people's livelihood, support people-to-people and cultural exchanges, safeguard long-term peace and stability in the South China Sea, promote consultations on the COC in the South China Sea, and contribute positive energy to global governance.

(2) China-Laos railway engineering companies, including the China Railway International Group (CRIG) and the China Railway Engineering Corporation (CREC), donate sports equipment and anti-pandemic supplies to the China-Laos Friendship Nongping Primary School in Vientiane, according to Lao Principal of the Nongping Primary School Phanthong Khamthongmy.

27 The Chronology

October 12

Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets with Cambodian Senate President Samdech Say Chhum via a video conference to strengthen cooperation on Covid-19 response, bilateral ties, and the BRI.

October 13

(1) China donates 1 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines to Myanmar, according to the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar.

(2) China donates the 6th batch of 1 million doses of the Sinopharm vaccine to Laos, according to Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong.

October 14

China donates 2 million doses of the Sinovac vaccine to Cambodia, according to Cambodia’s Ministry of Health. Cambodia has received a total of 28.5 million doses of Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines procured from China, accounting for 75.8 percent. 6.3 million doses, accounting for 16.7 percent, were donations.

October 21

(1) Thailand allows fully vaccinated foreign visitors from 46 countries and territories, including China, to enter the country without quarantine from November 1, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Visitors have to be tested negative for Covid19 before arrival and must take another test upon arrival.

(2) Vietnam temporarily approves Covid-19 vaccine certifications by 72 countries and territories, including China. People traveling from overseas with certificates will be allowed to enter the country, according to the Foreign Ministry.

October 22

Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region donates 800,000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine, an Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) machine, and medical supplies to Vietnam.

October 27

Yang Xiaodu, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, deputy secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, and chairman of the National Commission of Supervision, 28 The Chronology

holds talks with Khamphanh Phommathath, Politburo member of the Party Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary, chairman of the Inspection Committee of the Party Central Committee, and president of the State Inspection Authority, via a video conference to deepen exchanges and cooperation on discipline inspection and supervision.

China donates a set of digital transformation systems to the National Television of Cambodia (TVK) to improve broadcasting quality and efficiency, according to Chinese Ambassador Wang Wentian.

November 1

(1) Thailand reopens the country for fully vaccinated foreigners without quarantine from 63 countries, including China. Fully vaccinated visitors from other countries can enter the country only through a tourism sandbox program in 17 provinces.

They will be required to quarantine for 7 days before being able to travel to other parts of the country.

Visitors who are not fully vaccinated or not vaccinated will be required to be quarantined at a hotel for 10 days.

(2) Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets with Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, Thai deputy parliament president and Senate speaker, via a videoconference to deepen cooperation in fighting against the pandemic, the BRI, and people-to-people exchanges.

November 11

Laos holds the handover ceremony of the first phase of the China-aided Mahosot General Hospital Project.

Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong and Lao Health Minister Bounfeng Phoummalaysith attend the ceremony.

November 12

(1) China donates 1 million doses of the Sinovac vaccine to Myanmar, according to the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar.

(2) China donates a batch of Covid-19 vaccines and anti-pandemic supplies to Thailand, according to 29 The Chronology

Chiese Ambassador Han Zhiqiang. Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha attends the handover ceremony in Bangkok.

November 14

(1) State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with diplomatic envoys of ASEAN countries in Beijing. China is ready to work with ASEAN countries to overcome the pandemic, promote economic recovery, safeguard regional peace and stability, promote regional integration and economic globalization, uphold multilateralism, and build the China-ASEAN community with a shared future.

(2) Cambodia announces that fully vaccinated travelers can enter the country without quarantine from November 15, according to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

November 15

Chinese Special Envoy for Asian Affairs Sun Guoxiang visits Myanmar and meets with Myanmar Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Foreign Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin, and Union Minister for the Union Government Office Lieutenant General Yar Pyae.

Both sides exchanged views on the implementation of the 5-point ASEAN consensus, Myanmar-ASEAN relations, and ASEAN-China relations.

November 15

Premier Li Keqiang meets with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen via a videoconference. Both sides agree to promote the RCEP and the China-Cambodia Free Trade Agreement, deepen cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, public health, education, and culture, and support China-ASEAN relations.

November 17

China donates 2 million doses of the Sinovac vaccine to Cambodia. It is the 7th batch of Covid-19 vaccines donated by China to Cambodia, according to Chinese Ambassador Wang Wentian. Cambodian Prime Minister asks China to help establish a Covid-19 vaccine production factory in the country.

November 19

Chinese Director-General of the Department of External Security Affairs of the Foreign Ministry Bai Tian and Lao Deputy Foreign Minister Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune co-chair a videoconference on 30 The Chronology

security guarantee for China-Laos Belt and Road cooperation projects focusing on the security work of the upcoming operation of the China-Laos Railway.

November 20

China donates 1 million doses of the Sinovac vaccine to Myanmar, according to Myanmar’s Information Ministry.

November 23

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs donates medical supplies, including automatic nucleic acid extractors, and medical oxygen generators and ventilators, to 3 provinces of Laos bordering China, including Oudomxay, Phongsaly, and Luang Namtha.

November 25

The Chinese government donates 700,000 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, personal protective equipment (PPE), and medical equipment to Laos to support anti-pandemic. Laos has received donations of 2.6 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine so far.

December 1

President Xi Jinping sends a message of condolence to Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni over the passing of Cambodian Prince Norodom Ranariddh.

December 2

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi holds talks with Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son to exchange views on bilateral relations and cooperation. Both sides agree to maintain high-level communication, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, strengthen cooperation in fighting against the pandemic, and deepen people-to-people cooperation between the young and local governments of the two countries. They discuss maritime issues, global development issues, and the China-ASEAN cooperation.

December 3

President Xi Jinping holds a virtual meeting with Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith. Both sides agree to keep close high-level exchange, strengthen strategic communication, maximize the economic benefits of the Laos-China Railway, and promote economic cooperation. China will continue to provide Covid-19 vaccines and anti-pandemic materials and other supports to Laos.

31 The Chronology

Premier Li Keqiang exchanges congratulatory letters with Lao Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh on the opening of the China-Laos Railway.

On the same day, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi holds a virtual meeting with Lao Foreign Minister Saleuxay Kommaith. Both sides agree to boost the role of the opening of the ChinaLaos Railway in regional connectivity, promote the BRI, implement the outcomes of the LMC summit, upgrade the China-ASEAN relations, and strengthen cooperation regarding the Global Development Initiative.

December 4

(1) State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi holds talks with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn in Anji County, Zhejiang Province. Both sides agree to deepen bilateral cooperation, push the bilateral free trade agreement and the RCEP into effect, promote digital economy cooperation, expand Cambodian agricultural exports to China, and advance the ChinaASEAN relations. China will provide more vaccine assistance to Cambodia and establish a vaccine production facility in Cambodia.

(2) Chinese Director-General of the Department of Asian Affairs of the Foreign Ministry Liu Jinsong attends the Thai National Day Reception and extends congratulations to Bangkok on the National Day of Thailand.

December 9

The Chinese government donates 200,000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn of Thailand, according to the Chinese Embassy in Thailand.

December 14

China hands over the refurbished national indoor stadium, Thuwunna National Indoor Sports Stadium, to Myanmar. The China-aided indoor stadium was built in the 1980s. The refurbishment project was launched in Yangon in August 2019.

32 The Chronology

December 17

Laos will reopen the country to fully vaccinated visitors from January 1, 2022. Visitors can visit Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang. The entry will be available to tourists from 17 nations, including Southeast Asian and European countries, China, the US, Australia, and Canada.

December 18

Cambodia inaugurates a China-aided national stadium, the Morodok Techo National Stadium, in Phnom Penh. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and Chinese Ambassador Wang Wentian preside over the event. The stadium is built by China State Construction Engineering Corporation and starting in April 2017.

(B) Political Affairs July 1

China celebrates the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) at Tiananmen Square in Beijing. President Xi Jinping delivers a speech to praise the party for uplifting people’s livelihood and restoring national pride.

July 6

China holds the virtual meeting of the CPC and World Political Parties Summit. President Xi Jinping calls on international cooperation to improve the fairness, efficiency, and coordination of global development, uphold multilateralism, strengthen international cooperation to handle global risks and challenges, and promote global governance. More than 500 leaders of political parties and organizations from more than 160 countries attend the Summit.

July 12

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China warns off the US guided-missile destroyer, USS Benfold, that trespasses into the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea. The PLA urges the US to stop provocations and control military activities.

July 16

President Xi Jinping attends the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Informal Economic Leaders' Retreat hosted by New Zealand, the APEC host, via a videoconference. Xi Jinping delivers a speech and proposes that the APEC should 33 The Chronology

strengthen international cooperation on the Covid19 response, deepen regional economic integration, pursue inclusive and sustainable development, and seize opportunities from scientific and technological innovation. China will provide another US$3 billion in international aid over the next 3 years to support Covid-19 response and economic and social recovery in developing countries. China has provided over 500 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines to developing countries so far.

July 20

(1) 55 countries have submitted letters to the WHO to oppose the politicization of the Covid-19 origins issue as the WHO proposed a second phase study into the origins of the coronavirus in China on July 16.

(2) The Thai government extends the nationwide state of emergency until September 30 to tackle surging Covid-19 infections.

July 20-23

Law enforcement authorities from China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand conduct the 107th Mekong River joint patrol.

July 22

(1) The Chinese Embassy in Cambodia refutes Reuters’ report that Chinese hackers steal Mekong River data from Cambodia. According to the US Justice Department’s statement on July 19, 4 Chinese nationals have been charged with attacks on data of companies, universities, and government agencies in the US and other countries, including the discussions between China and Cambodia over the use of the Mekong River.

(2) China rejects a WHO's proposal for a second investigation of the Covid-19 origins in China. It urges the WHO to trace the origins of the virus in multiple countries.

July 29

Chinese Ministry of National Defense Spokesperson Wu Qian uses the words "steel-like Cambodia" to describe the China-Cambodia relations for the first time at a press conference.

34 The Chronology

August 2

More than 300 political parties, organizations, and think tanks from more than 100 countries and regions submit a joint statement to the WHO Secretariat to reject the politicization of the Covid19 origins tracing.

August 3

The MRC reveals that the water level of the Mekong River has decreased over the past week despite China's pledge that the Jinghong dam will not restrict water flows to facilitate power grid construction until the end of this month.

August 3-6

On August 3, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attends the ASEAN-China Ministerial Meeting via a videoconference. Both sides agree to deepen anti-pandemic cooperation, promote economic recovery, consolidate the existing regional cooperation frameworks, and maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea. China has provided more than 190 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines to ASEAN countries so far, according to Wang Yi. At the 22nd ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers' Meeting on the same day, participants are willing to promote economic integration, implement the RCEP, strengthen vaccine research and development cooperation, uphold multilateralism and free trade, and expand cooperation in areas such as the digital economy and climate change.

On August 4, Wang Yi attends the 11th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

Participants want to deepen cooperation in the fight against the pandemic, promote green development, strengthen ASEAN centrality, and safeguard international fairness and justice. Wang Yi stresses four respects on the South China Sea issue, namely, all parties should respect the historical facts, international laws, consensus, and regional countries.

On August 6, Wang Yi attends the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of the 28th ASEAN Regional Forum.

Participants agree to adhere to the principle of noninterference in internal affairs, maintain peace and 35 The Chronology

stability in the South China Sea, pushing efforts to facilitate consultations on the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea, and jointly overcome difficulties and challenges.

August 5

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi holds the 1st Meeting of the International Forum on Covid19 Vaccine Cooperation. President Xi Jinping sends a message to the meeting. It states that China vows to provide 2 billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines to the world this year and donates US$100 million to the COVAX to promote global vaccine provision.

Participants agree to strengthen cooperation in battling with the pandemic, provide vaccines to developing countries, support the WHO’s COVAX, oppose vaccine nationalism, support the waiver of intellectual property rights on vaccines, and promote international cooperation on vaccine production capacity. The meeting adopts the Joint Statement of the International Forum on Covid-19 Vaccine Cooperation.

August 10

Cambodia’s Lower Sesan 2 dam financed by China Huaneng Group affects the livelihoods of tens of thousands of villagers, according to the Human Rights Watch (HRW). The dam threatens fishing and agriculture. Local people lose their incomes. The HRW suggests that Cambodian authorities have to revisit the compensation, resettlement, and livelihood-restoration methods of this project.

August 12

The WHO urges China to share more data on the Covid-19 origins to revive its probe into the origins of the virus as the data from the phase one report of the investigation in Wuhan was not enough and failed to conclude how the virus began.

August 13

China rejects the WHO's calls for further coronavirus origins probe and opposes political tracing. Further investigation should base on the scientific evidence from the first phase study conducted by Chinese and foreign experts in Wuhan and be carried out in multiple places worldwide.

36 The Chronology

August 24

During the visit to Singapore, US Vice President Kamala Harris accuses China of threatening the sovereignty of Southeast Asian countries on the South China Sea issue.

August 25

During the visit to Vietnam, US Vice President Kamala Harris accuses China of bullying Southeast Asian countries and making excessive maritime claims in the South China Sea. The US will find a new way to raise the pressure on China.

August 25-28

The 108th joint Mekong River patrol by China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand kicks off targeting at crossborder crimes.

August 26

The Chinese Embassy in Vietnam releases a statement refuting US Vice President Kamala Harris' accusations against China during her visit to Vietnam. It stresses that the US disregarded the history and truth about the South China Sea, ignored the joint efforts of China and Southeast Asian countries to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea and drum up the so-called "Chinese threats" in the region.

August 30

Huang Kunming, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, a member of the Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee holds talks with Nguyen Trong Nghia, head of the CPV Central Committee’s Commission for Information and Education via a videoconference to promote publicity and culture cooperation.

August 31

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin remarks at a press conference that China will work with the international community to play a constructive role in Myanmar's efforts to restore social stability and resume democratic transformation at an early date.

September 6-15

The Chinese military kicks off the first-time international peacekeeping drill "Shared Destiny 2021" in Henan Province. The troops from China, Thailand, Mongolia, and Pakistan participate in the 37 The Chronology

drill to promote pragmatic cooperation among countries which have contributed troops to the United Nations' Action for Peacekeeping Initiative to boost the capacity of peacekeeping standby forces.

September 8

The US guided-missile destroyer, USS Benfold, trespasses the Meiji Reef in the South China Sea. China’s PLA Southern Theater Command warns it off and stresses that the US action has violated China’s sovereignty and security.

September 9

(1) Premier Li Keqiang attends and delivers a speech at the 7h Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit via a videoconference. The summit is chaired by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. Participants are willing to work together to prevent and control the pandemic, deepen cooperation on water resources, promote regional economic and social recovery, uphold multilateralism, maintain peace and stability, and promote common prosperity and benefit of people in the region. The summit endorses the Joint Declaration of the 7th Greater Mekong Subregion Summit, the GMS Strategic Framework 2030 (GMS-2030), and the GMS COVID-19 Response and Recovery Plan 2021 and 2023.

(2) The National Assembly of Cambodia ratifies the RCEP. The pact will be reviewed by the Senate before being submitted to King Norodom Sihamoni for endorsement.

September 13

The Chinese Embassy in Vietnam refutes Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi’s attacks on China during his visit to Vietnam stating that China attempts to use its power to change the status quo and intensify the situation in East China and the South China Sea through its coast guard law. China's routine legislation in the South China Sea did not target any specific countries and complied with international law and international practice, according to the Embassy.

September 21

President Xi Jinping addresses the general debate of the 76th session of the United Nations General 38 The Chronology

Assembly (UNGA) via a videoconference. He proposes the Global Development Initiative to jointly address global threats and challenges to build a better world.

September 21-24

The 109th Mekong River joint patrol by law enforcement authorities from China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand kicks off and cracks down on crossborder crimes.

October 11-15

The 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity is held in Kunming, Yunnan Province. President Xi Jinping attends and delivers a speech at the meeting via a videoconference. China announces that it will establish the Kunming Biodiversity Fund and invest 1.5 billion yuan to support biodiversity protection in developing countries. The meeting adopts the Kunming Declaration.

October 19

The 110th Mekong River joint patrol by China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand kicks off. Law enforcement authorities discuss the current situations of the pandemic and public security in the river basin.

October 26-28

The 38th and 39th ASEAN Summits and related meetings kick off online under the chairmanship of Brunei to strengthen the resilience of the ASEAN Community towards regional recovery from the pandemic and maintain regional cooperation.

On October 26, Premier Li Keqiang attends the 24th China-ASEAN Summit. Both sides agree to expedite the consultations on the COC in the South China Sea, conduct maritime cooperation, deepen economic integration, implement the RCEP, and promote green and sustainable development in the region.

China supports the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework and its Implementation Plan. China will work with ASEAN to launch the feasibility study of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA). The study will focus on the digital economy, green economy, and other new areas of cooperation. China pledges to offer more aid in Covid-19 vaccines and medical supplies to ASEAN and proposes the 39 The Chronology

building of a China-ASEAN cooperation center for public health science and technology. The meeting adopts the China-ASEAN Joint Statement on Cooperation in Support of the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework and the China-ASEAN Joint Statement on Enhancing Green and Sustainable Development Cooperation.

On October 27, Li Keqiang attends the 24th ASEAN Plus Three Summit. He proposes to participants to improve public health governance, deepen regional economic integration, enhance industrial cooperation in East Asia, promote the digital economy in East Asia, energize financial cooperation, and promote green and sustainable growth. Participants will work together to implement the RCEP, accelerate the building of the ASEAN Plus Three Reserve of Medical Supplies for Public Health Emergencies, and further deepen cooperation in the region.

On October 27, Li Keqiang also attends the 16th East Asia Summit (EAS). Participants agree to uphold multilateralism, promote the equitable distribution of vaccines and medicines, strengthen cooperation on the digital economy, free trade, public health, and climate change, promote economic recovery, and maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea. October 28

Thailand submits the ratification of the RCEP to the ASEAN Secretariat, according to Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit. Its parliament ratified the pact on February 9, 2021.

October 30-31

President Xi Jinping attends the 16th Group of 20 (G20) Leaders’ Summit and delivers a speech via a videoconference. He proposes a Global Vaccine Cooperation Action Initiative to enhance vaccine accessibility and affordability in developing countries. He calls on participants to uphold openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation.

He urges developed countries to lead by example on emissions reduction to solve the climate crisis. The meeting adopts the G20 Rome Leaders’ Declaration.

40 The Chronology

October 31November 13

The 26th United Nations Conference of Parties on Climate Change (COP26) is held in Glasgow, Scotland. The meeting adopts the Glasgow Climate Pact. The meeting reaches an agreement on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement related to carbon market mechanisms.

On November 1, Xi Jinping delivers a written speech at the World Leaders Summit at the COP26 and calls for participants to uphold multilateralism consensus on global challenges such as climate change, focus on concrete actions, and accelerate the green transition.

The summit is held on the sidelines of the COP26 on November 1-2.

November 4

Vietnam asks China to withdraw its ships out of the Whitsun Reef in the Spratly archipelago and respect Vietnam’s sovereignty, according to Vietnamese Foreign Affairs Ministry Deputy Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang.

November 11

President Xi Jinping attends and delivers a keynote speech at the APEC CEO Summit via a videoconference. He urges participants to make allout efforts to fight against the pandemic, uphold openness and cooperation, promote green transition and innovation.

November 12-13

The 28th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting is hosted

by New Zealand online. President Xi Jinping attends and delivers a speech at the meeting. He proposes to advance anti-Covid cooperation and promote economic recovery, foster an open Asia-Pacific economy, promote innovation-driven development and the digital economy, and pursue inclusive and sustainable development. Participants vow to boost global economic recovery and support global efforts to share vaccines equitably. The meeting adopts the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040 implementation plan and releases the APEC 2021 Leaders’ Declaration.

November 16

The 111th Mekong River joint patrol by China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand kicks off.

41 The Chronology

November 22

President Xi Jinping and Haji Hassanal Bolkian, the Sultan of Brunei and the ASEAN chairman, co-chair the Special Summit to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations via a videoconference.

Both sides announced the establishment of a ChinaASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They agree to practice multilateralism. Xi Jinping says that China will prioritize ASEAN in its neighborhood diplomacy. China never seeks hegemony and it safeguards peace in the region.

China supports ASEAN's efforts to build a nuclearweapon-free zone and prepares to sign the Protocol to the Treaty on the Southeast Asia NuclearWeapon-Free Zone. It will import more high-quality products from ASEAN countries, including agricultural products worth US$150 billion in the next 5 years. It will launch the China-ASEAN Science, Technology and Innovation Enhancing Program to enhance cooperation in technology and education.

Regarding the Covid-19 pandemic, China will donate an additional 150 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines to ASEAN countries and contribute an additional US$5 million to the Covid-19 Response Fund. It will provide another US$1.5 billion to develop assistance in the next 3 years to support ASEAN fight against the pandemic to boost economic recovery.

Participants agree to promote the negotiation on the COC in the South China Sea and implement the RCEP. The Summit adopts the Joint Statement of the ASEAN-China Special Summit to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations.

December 7-8

The 2nd Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation Forum is held online to strengthen cooperation among LMC countries. Chinese Minister of Water Resources Li Guoying attends the Forum.

China proposes the Beijing Initiative that calls for further enhanced dialogue, technical cooperation,

42 The Chronology

and information sharing on water resources in the Lancang-Mekong Basin.

December 8

The US imposes an arms embargo on Cambodia due to Cambodia’s connections with China and human rights abuses.

December 10-13

The 112th Mekong River joint patrol kicks off by China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. 107 law enforcements and 6 vessels participate in the patrol.

It marks the 10th anniversary of the joint operation since December 10, 2011. Over the past 10 years, law enforcement departments of the four countries have carried out over 180 joint missions, stopped 36,173 drug-related crimes, seized 136.93 metric tons of drugs, and cracked down upon 66 human trafficking cases. They have rescued 130 commercial vessels and 536 crew members.

(C) Economic Affairs July 1

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) reports on June 30 that tourism loss of the global economy will reach more than US$4 trillion by the end of this year due to the pandemic.

July 5

The first Lancang-Mekong Fruit Festival is held in Beijing to promote high-quality fruits from member countries of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) to boost fruit trade.

July 9

China plans to increase the foreign trade volume from US$4.65 trillion in 2020 to US$5.1 trillion by 2025, according to the 14th Five-Year (2021-2025) Business Development Plan.

July 13

China’s General Administration of Customs (GAC) reports that China’s trade volume grew 27.1 percent year on year to reach about US$2.79 trillion in the first half of this year. Exports increased 28.1 percent year on year, while imports were up 25.9 percent.

Trade with ASEAN rose 27.8 percent year on year.

43 The Chronology

July 15

The World Bank decreases the growth forecast for Thailand from 3.4 percent in March to 2.2 percent for this year due to the pandemic. China will grow 8.5 percent in 2021. Growth in East Asia and the Pacific will expand by 7.7 percent.

July 16

The China-ASEAN Digital Economy Development and Cooperation Forum is held in Wuhan, Hubei Province. Both sides sign cooperation agreements for 20 projects, including digital economy, investment, technical cooperation, and financial services, worth US$4.11 billion.

July 20

(1) The Asian Development Outlook (ADO) of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) revises its growth forecast from 7.3 percent to 7.2 percent for this year.

China’s growth forecast remains at 8.1 percent in 2021 and 5.5 percent in 2022. The ADB revises the growth forecast for Thailand from 3 percent to 2 percent.

(2) China's Chongqing reports that its foreign trade increased 37.6 percent year on year in the first half of this year, about US$58 billion. Exports surged 37.7 percent year on year, while imports were up 37.5 percent. Trade with ASEAN increased by 24.5 percent.

July 22

China's 21 free trade zones have received US$15.6 billion in overseas investment in the first half of this year, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

Overseas investment from ASEAN increased 50.7 percent.

July 23

Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith visits the Thanaleng Dry Port and Vientiane Logistics Park as the project prepares for a soft opening in August.

The Port and Park will link with the China-Laos Railway.

July 28

Thailand’s transit trade with China rose 86.56 percent year on year in June, according to the Ministry of Commerce. Border and transit trade surged 41.68 percent year on year in June.

44 The Chronology

August 5

Thailand’s fresh fruit exports were worth US$2.896 billion in the first half of this year, an increase of 42.21 percent year on year, according to the Ministry of Commerce. Fresh fruit exports included durian, longan, mango, banana, pineapple, citrus, and lychee.

The biggest export market was China, accounting for more than 83 percent of all fresh fruit exports, followed by Hong Kong, Vietnam, Malaysia, and South Korea. Thailand exported fresh fruits to China, including Guangdong Province, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and Chongqing Municipality of Sichuan Province, reaching US$2.43 billion in the first half of this year, an increase of 71.11 percent year on year.

August 7

China's foreign trade increased 24.5 percent year on year in the first 7 months of this year, according to the GAC. Trade with ASEAN grew 24.6 percent year on year in the January-July period.

August 12

China has banned Thai longan due to the contamination with mealybugs starting from August 13, according to Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion.

August 13

China remains the largest foreign investor in Laos, according to Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning and Investment Sonexay Siphandone. China invests a total of 813 projects worth over US$16 billion.

August 17

China resumes Thai longan exports, according to Thailand’s Commerce Ministry.

August 19

The Nanjing Customs reports that Jiangsu Province’s foreign trade grew 17.4 percent year on year to US$435 billion in the first 7 months of 2021. Exports increased 19.3 percent year on year, while imports were up 14.4 percent. Trade with ASEAN increased 21.5 percent.

August 24

The Lao government approves December 2 as the launch date for the official opening of the China-Laos Railway. Moreover, Phongsaly provincial authorities 45 The Chronology

approve a Chinese business group to survey a feasibility study on the development of a new Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

August 26

Laos is selected as the Country of Honor for the upcoming 18th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO). It marks the third time for Laos after its selection in 2009 and 2020.

September 1-2

The 6th Belt and Road Summit is held online.

Thailand proposes to become a hub connecting ASEAN countries with China and Hong Kong, according to Thai Vice Commerce Minister Dr. Sansern Samapala. The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) supports the BRI and the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

September 2

China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) reveals at a press conference that the country aims to finish the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor by 2025 to facilitate trade with ASEAN and BRI countries. The plan includes major road, railway, and port projects.

September 3

The foreign trade of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China increased 30.5 percent year on year in the first 7 months of 2021. Trade with BRI countries was up 46.1 percent year on year. Thailand and Vietnam were major trading partners of Ningxia.

September 7

China UnionPay announces to put the QR code payment into the mobile banking and e-wallet of Thailand's Bangkok Bank to further facilitate digital payment for card owners of Bangkok Bank.

September 8-9

The 6th China-ASEAN Summit for Drug Development and Cooperation co-hosted by China’s National Medical Products Administration and the government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is held in Fangchenggang City. The Summit reveals that China’s trade volume of medical products with ASEAN reached US$13.3 billion in the first 7 months of this year, an increase of 32 percent year on year.

46 The Chronology

September 9

The commemorative activity for the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Laos and the 2021 China-Laos Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum kicks off online and offline in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Laotian Minister of Industry and Commerce Khampheng Xaysampheng and Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Ren Hongbin attend the activity. Lao officials discuss with company representatives of China Southern Power Grid, China Datang Corporation, ChinaASEAN Information Harbor Company, China State Construction Engineering Corporation, and China Railway International Company to exchange views on investment policies and intention, and promote projects in infrastructure, electricity, and digital economy.

September 10

China-ASEAN trade increased from US$8.36 billion in 1991 to US$685.28 billion in 2020, an average annual growth rate of 16.5 percent, according to the GAC. ASEAN became China’s largest trading partner in 2020, while China has been ASEAN’s largest trading partner for 12 consecutive years.

September 10-13

The 18th China-ASEAN Expo and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit kick off in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The Expo is held online and offline. It aims to explore cooperation in the digital economy, epidemic, and trade and investment. President Xi Jinping sends a congratulatory letter to the event. China is willing to work with ASEAN to deepen cooperation in fighting the pandemic, economy, and trade, promote the RCEP and the BRI, and maintain regional prosperity and development. Vice President Wang Qishan addresses the opening ceremony. He says that China will prioritize the neighborhood diplomacy with ASEAN, import more high-quality products from ASEAN, expand mutual investment, and deepen industrial supply chain cooperation. The Expo hosts 26 high-level forums and 148 economic and trade promotion activities. Enterprises from more than 40 countries and regions participate in the Expo. The Expo concludes with 179 international and domestic 47 The Chronology

deals worth US$46.59 billion, an increase of 13.7 percent year on year. The deal value was the highest on record for the Expo. The Expo releases the ChinaASEAN Trade Index for the first time. The index stood at 241.09 points in 2020, an increase of 19 percent from 2019.

September 13

Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao attends the 20th China-ASEAN Trade Ministers’ Meeting and the 24th ASEAN Plus Three Ministers’ Meeting via a videoconference to exchange views on regional economic and trade issues. He calls on participants to oppose political manipulation, jointly fight against the pandemic, and accelerate regional economic recovery. Participants agree to promote the RCEP, uphold the multilateral trading system, support the World Trade Organization (WTO), restore the dispute settlement mechanism, support the development of small, medium, and microenterprises, and deepen cooperation in finance, information technologies, and supply chains.

September 14

The 5th ASEAN-Hong Kong Economic Ministers’ Meeting is held via a videoconference to expand bilateral trade under free trade and investment agreements. Participants agree to add 5 branches, including (1) sanitary and phytosanitary measures, (2) standards, technical regulations, and conformance assessment processes, (3) intellectual property, (4) digital technology for trade facilitation, and (5) investment promotion, to the ASEAN-Hong Kong, China Free Trade Area (AHKFTA) Agreement and the ASEAN-Hong Kong Investment Agreement (AHKIA).

September 22

The ADB retains the GDP growth forecast for China at 8.1 percent this year. The GDP growth forecast for developing Asia is decreased from 7.3 percent in April to 7.1 percent for 2021. Thailand's GDP growth forecast is decreased from 3 percent in April to 0.8 percent. Lao's economy is projected to grow by 2.3 percent in 2021, a decrease from 4 percent in the April forecast.

48 The Chronology

September 24

The People’s Bank of China vows to crack down on illegal activities of cryptocurrency trading and bans all cryptocurrency transactions.

September 27

The World Bank forecasts that China's economy will expand 8.5 percent this year, an increase of 0.4 percent points from the April forecast. It decreases Thailand's growth forecast from 2.2 percent to 1 percent.

September 28

Laos holds a ceremony to start the full power generation of all 7 plants of the Nam Ou River Cascade Hydropower Project developed by the Power Construction Corporation of China (PowerChina).

October 1

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announces that fully vaccinated travelers from any country can visit Phuket and other provinces in the Sandbox scheme.

October 6

The Vientiane Station of the China-Laos Railway makes its debut. It is built by China Railway Construction Group Company Limited.

October 8

US Trade Representative Katherine Tai holds talks with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He to discuss Chinese commercial practices and US concerns.

October 11

Guangxi’s border trade with Vietnam surged by 92.2 percent year on year to US$4.49 billion in the first 8 months of this year, according to the Department of Commerce of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

October 12

The International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s World Economic Outlook reports that the world economy will grow at 5.9 percent this year. China’s economy is forecast to grow 8 percent in 2021.

October 15

Changsha Customs reports that foreign trade of China’s Hunan Province increased 28.4 percent year on year in the first 9 months of this year. Exports were up 34.9 percent, while imports rose 16 percent.

Trade with BRI countries grew 19.8 percent. ASEAN

49 The Chronology

remains the largest trading partner of Hunan. Trade with ASEAN increased 19.3 percent year on year.

October 16

Chinese bullet trains for the China-Laos Railway make debut in Vientiane, Laos. The trains are manufactured by CRRC Qingdao Sifang and CRRC Dalian, subsidiaries of China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation.

October 18

China’s GDP grew by 9.8 percent year on year in the first 9 months, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The country’s GDP grew 4.9 percent year on year in the third quarter, slower than the first and second quarters due to the unstable and uneven domestic economic recovery.

October 19

(1) Nanjing Customs reports that the foreign trade of China’s Jiangsu Province rose by 16.5 percent year on year to about US$580 billion in the first 9 months this year. Exports increased 18.2 percent year on year, while imports were up 14 percent. The trade with ASEAN increased 17 percent year on year.

(2) The IMF forecasts that China’s economy will grow by 8 percent in 2021, a decrease of 0.4 percent from the April projection. The Asia growth forecast is revised down to 6.5 percent due to the resurgence of the pandemic and low vaccination rates.

(3) Zhao Qian, head of the China Business Association Ho Chi Minh City Branch, reveals that Chinese companies in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam are facing logistical disruptions and labor shortages.

Only 10 percent of Chinese plants in the city can maintain operations.

October 20

(1) Kunming Customs reports that the foreign trade of Yunnan Province reached about US$34.85 billion in the first 9 months, an increase of 37.7 percent year on year. Exports increased 52.4 percent year on year, while imports grew 24.4 percent. The trade with ASEAN, the largest trade partner, grew 16.7 percent year on year.

50 The Chronology

(2) The China-Laos Railway starts its first dynamic testing train departing from the Vientiane Station to Boten. The testing is undertaken by the China Academy of Railway Sciences Corporation Limited.

The testing duration is 18 days.

October 21

Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region managed 235 China-Vietnam freight train trips in the first 9 months of this year, an increase of 117 percent year on year, according to the China Railway Nanning Group Company Limited.

October 26

Thailand’s exports rose 17.1 percent year on year in September, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

Exports to China increased 23.3 percent year on year.

November 1

Thai Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit meets with Chinese Ambassador Han Zhiqiang to discuss the expansion of bilateral trade and investment, the RCEP, the China-Thailand high-speed railway, and the Thai-Chinese Joint Trade Committee meeting.

The Thai side asks China to reopen checkpoints in Mohan and Guan Lei to transport fruits.

November 3

(1) The ASEAN Secretariat has received instruments of the RCEP ratification from 6 member countries, including Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, and 4 non-ASEAN countries, including Australia, China, Japan, and New Zealand.

The Secretariat announces that the pact will enter into force on January 1, 2022.

(2) The ASEAN Foundation and Huawei sign an MoU on joint efforts to bridge the digital talent gap at an online event of the Asia Pacific Innovation Day— Digital Talent Summit 2021.

November 5-10

The 4th China International Import Expo (CIIE) is held in Shanghai. On November 4, President Xi Jinping attends and delivers a speech at the opening ceremony via a videoconference. He stresses that China will safeguard multilateralism, share market opportunities with the rest of the world, promote

51 The Chronology

high-standard opening-up, and uphold common interests of the world.

November 6

(1) China has completed all preparations for fully implementing the RCEP, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

(2) Vietnam inaugurates the China-built Cat Linh-Ha Dong metro line project in Hanoi. The project started construction in October 2011. The elevated line is more than 13 kilometers with 12 stations.

November 7

China’s foreign trade increased 31.9 percent year on year to US$4.89 trillion in the first 10 months of this year, according to the GAC. Exports were up 32.3 percent year on year, while imports grew 31.4 percent. Trade with ASEAN rose 30 percent.

November 10

Thailand’s PTT Public Company Limited signs an agreement with China’s Hozon, an electric vehicle (EV) startup, to expand Thailand’s EV market.

November 12

All 10 stations of the China-Laos railway in Laos conclude their debut shows, according to the LaosChina Railway Company Limited (LCRC).

November 16

(1) Premier Li Keqiang attends the World Economic Forum Special Virtual Dialogue with Global Business Leaders. China is willing to work with all parties to fight against the pandemic, boost economic recovery, and keep the industrial and supply chains stable. China will expand the opening-up, promote international cooperation and improve trade and investment liberalization and facilitation.

(2) The Guangdong Customs reports that the foreign trade of the Province with ASEAN increased 15.6 percent year on year to US$157 billion from January to October.

November 19

Representatives from Thailand, Laos, and China hold a videoconference to discuss the construction of a dual-track railway link between the three countries.

The meeting agrees to set up 2 working groups for business and technical issues. Thailand and Laos 52 The Chronology

discuss the construction of a new railway bridge from Nong Khai Province, Thailand to Vientiane, Laos.

November 22

China’s Ministry of Commerce announces that the China-Cambodia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will officially take effect on January 1, 2022. The FTA was signed on October 12, 2020. China will provide tarifffree status to 97.53 percent of imports from Cambodia. Cambodia will exempt tariffs on 90 percent of Chinese imports.

November 23

(1) Hunan’s trade with BRI countries increased by 19.8 percent in the first 10 months of this year, according to China’s Changsha Customs. Exports rose 17.3 percent, while imports grew 29 percent.

The 3 main trade partners in the region are Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand.

(2) Thai Director-General of Department of Trade Negotiations Auramon Supthaweethum reveals that Thailand will eliminate import tariffs on more than 29,000 imports from RCEP members once the RCEP takes into effect. China will exempt tariffs on 67.3 percent of all imports from RCEP members.

(3) Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and Chinese Ambassador Wang Wentian attend a ceremony marking the inauguration of the Stueng Trang-Kroch Chhmar Cambodia-China Friendship Bridge connecting Kampong Cham and Tboung Khmum Provinces of Cambodia and the groundbreaking of National Road No. 71C. The bridge was developed by the Shanghai Construction Group under a concessional loan from the Chinese government.

November 24

(1) China’s GAC has registered 93 Thai rice mills, according to Thai Director-General of Department of Agriculture Pichet Wiriyaphaha. Thailand exported 430,000 tons of rice to China during the JanuaryOctober period.

(2) Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Office and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited (ICBC) in Thailand sign an MoU on a 53 The Chronology

feasibility study on the establishment of the EEC Equity Fund to build investment opportunities for new industrial projects. Both sides want to promote new targeted industries in the EEC area, including the medical and healthcare industry, the digital technology industry, the decarbonization industries, and the transport and logistics industry.

November 25

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha meets with Ren Zhengfei, the founder and chief executive officer of Huawei Technologies Company, via a videoconference to promote collaboration on the use of 5G plus AI eco-innovation, digital transformation, and talent development.

November 26

Myanmar reopens the Kyin San Kywat border gate in Muse and the Chinshwehhaw in Shan State for commerce after almost 7 months of the suspension due to the pandemic.

November 30

China’s National Railway Administration (NRA) and Laos’ Ministry of Public Works and Transport sign the first inter-governmental agreement on railway cooperation for the China-Laos Railway to create a framework for cross-border transportation.

December 1

The Lao government awards the First-class Development Medal to the China State Railway Group and the First-class Labour Medal to the LaosChina Railway Company Limited (LCRC) for building the China-Laos Railway.

December 3

President Xi Jinping and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith inaugurate the China-Laos railway via a videoconference.

Both sides exchange congratulations and stress that they are willing to make joint efforts to ensure the operation and maintenance of the railway, promote comprehensive development, and strive to expand economic and social effects.

The 1,035-kilometer railway (422 kilometers in Laos) takes about 10 hours from Kunming, Yunnan Province, China to Vientiane, Laos with a maximum speed of 160 kilometers per hour. There are 11 54 The Chronology

stations in China and 10 stations in Laos. The Chinese and Lao governments signed intergovernmental railway cooperation in 2015. The project started in December 2016 and was built with the full application of Chinese management and technical standards. The railway was built by the China Railway Construction Group Company Limited.

The first train of the China-Laos Railway loads potash products manufactured by Sino-Agri International Potash Company, a China-Laos joint venture company, and departs from Vientiane to China.

December 4

The first China-Laos Railway international freight train loaded with dicalcium phosphate from Kunming, Yunnan Province arrives in Vientiane, Laos.

December 6

Cambodia inaugurates National Road No.11, linking Prey Veng and Tboung Khmum Provinces. The road was built by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) under a concessional loan from the Chinese government.

December 7

(1) China’s foreign trade reached US$5.47 trillion in the first 11 months, an increase of 31.3 percent year on year, according to the GAC. (2) Yunnan Tengyun Information Industry Company launches a WeChat mini-program called “Traveling China-Laos Railway” to create an online transnational tourism service platform for travelers along the route.

December 8

China's Changsha Customs reports that Hunan's foreign trade increased 26.5 percent year on year in the first 11 months of this year. Exports grew 32.5 percent year on year while imports rose 14.3 percent. Trade with ASEAN, the largest trading partner, was up 18.2 percent year on year.

December 9

China's Shandong Province launches the China-Laos freight train service. The first train departs from the 55 The Chronology

China-SCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Area (SCODA) in Qingdao.

December 15

China will reduce tariffs of goods from 9 countries, including Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam, starting from January 1, 2022, to implement the RCEP agreement and promote the growth of regional trade and investment, according to the Ministry of Finance.

December 17

Kunming Customs reports that the foreign trade of China’s Yunnan Province grew 18.9 percent year on year in the first 11 months of this year. Exports increased 16.5 percent year on year, while imports rose 21.8 percent. The trade with ASEAN, the largest trading partner, grew 2.7 percent year on year.

December 18

The first China-ASEAN Forum of Veterinary Vaccine and Veterinary Drugs is held in Beijing to launch the collaboration of veterinary technologies and discuss the industry of animal diseases control.

December 20

Thailand’s exports rose 24.7 percent year on year in November, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

Exports to China increased by 24.3 percent year on year.

December 21

The Ministry of Information of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar announces that Myanmar is willing to restart development and infrastructure projects with China. The State Administration Council (SAC) has reviewed a list of 97 projects that were proposed by the previous government in response to China's development assistance to Myanmar worth US$627 million and 15 projects under US$31 million grant from China relating to the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC).

December 23

The China Railway Kunming Group Company Limited reveals that the China-Laos Railway has transported over 50,000 tons of goods since the operation started. The railway had handled 203 freight trains. China’s major export goods delivered via the railway included vegetables, fruits, and mechanical and electrical products.

56 The Chronology

December 28

The Thai government has set up a working panel to study the progress of the Thailand-Laos railway project, which is a part of a high-speed railway project linking the Thai-Chinese High-Speed Railway with the China-Laos Railway.

December 29

China’s GAC says that the Chinese Customs has fully prepared for the implementation of the RCEP. China’s foreign trade with other 14 RCEP members was US$1.7 trillion in the first 11 months of this year, accounting for 31 percent of the total foreign trade value.

(D) Socio-cultural Affairs July 16

China officially launches the national carbon market, the largest emissions trading system (ETS) in the world, according to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. The opening ceremony is held in Beijing, Shanghai, and Wuhan City at the same time.

The trading platform is set up in Shanghai and the registry platform in Wuhan. The market includes more than 2,000 companies in the power generation sector and covers over 4.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide a year.

September 7

The China Writers Association (CWA) initiates the Literary Network of the Belt and Road in Beijing to promote literary exchanges and writers’ friendship between China and other countries. 30 influential literary organizations from 35 countries, including Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar join the Network.

September 21

President Xi Jinping announces at the 76th session of the UN General Assembly that China will stop funding coal projects overseas to help the climate crisis. China is the largest funder of coal projects in developing countries, including Vietnam.

September 23-29

The 2021 China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week is held in Guizhou Province to promote sustainable development cooperation in education.

57 The Chronology

The activities and conferences include the ChinaASEAN Rising Star Innovation Lab, the China-ASEAN Vocational Education Forum, and Exhibition of Successful Cooperation Programs, the China-ASEAN Language and Culture Forum.

October 27 – November 2

The 3rd China-ASEAN TV Week is held in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The activities include an opening ceremony, a short video contest, and a summit on audio-visual communication.

November 2-6

The 10th China-ASEAN Music Festival is held in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region to promote exchanges and cooperation in the fields of music, culture, and art between China and ASEAN. The activities include 11 concerts and 2 forums. The event is sponsored by Guangxi Arts University.

November 4

Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) signs an MoU under the LMC Special Fund 2021 with the Chinese Embassy in Thailand to support 7 Thai university projects related to the Mekong River. The MoU will be in effect for 5 years. The projects include Chiang Mai University, Suranaree University of Technology, Far Eastern University, and Burapha University.

November 12

China and Thailand hold an online forum on creative designs to exchange ideas and explore new possibilities. The forum is hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, China's Central Academy of Fines Arts (CAFA), and the Creative Economy Agency of Thailand.

November 25

China Renewable Energy Engineering Institute signs an MoU with the Asian Institute of Technology to promote clean energy development in ASEAN. Both sides will conduct research and exchanges on ASEAN clean energy and strengthen the development and innovation of new technologies on new energy and industrial development.

December 1

The “2021 Lancang-Mekong TV Week – The National Theme Day of Laos” kicks off in Kunming, Yunnan Province. The event is organized by the National 58 The Chronology

Radio and Television Administration of China, the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of Laos, and the Yunnan provincial government.

59 The Chronology

60 The Chronology

Part II Selected Documentation

(II) Selected Documentation (July-December 2021) July (A) Speech by State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Opening Ceremony of the Conference on Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations Source: https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/wjb_663304/wjbz_663308/2461 _663310/202107/t20210729_9168105.html Released on: July 28, 2021 Build on Past Achievements and Scale New Heights Remarks by H.E. Wang Yi State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs At the Opening Ceremony of the Conference on Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations 28 July 2021 Your Excellency Secretary-General Lim Jock Hoi, Your Excellencies Diplomatic Envoys from ASEAN Countries, Distinguished Guests, Friends, Good morning.

It gives me great pleasure to attend the Conference today. This year marks the 30th anniversary of China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations, and it is a "big year" with special significance for China-ASEAN relations. Today, we are gathered here to review the journey of China-ASEAN relations in the past three decades and envision the bright future of our cooperation. The timing of the Conference cannot be more appropriate. Let me take this opportunity to first extend my sincere greetings and appreciation to friends from all sectors who have long given care and support to China-ASEAN exchange and cooperation.

Back in July 1991, the then Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen was invited to an event at the 24th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, thus kicking off the China-ASEAN dialogue process. In the ensuing three decades, China-ASEAN relations have come a long way. We have taken the lead in establishing a strategic partnership and building a free trade area. We have deepened 63 Selected Documentation

cooperation across the board and remained the pace-setter for East Asian cooperation. We are proud to see that China-ASEAN relations have become a fine example of the most successful and vibrant bilateral relations in the Asia-Pacific, and served as an important pillar for peace, stability and prosperity in the region. －We have set the example of equal treatment and peaceful coexistence. Guided by the East Asian approach of mutual respect and consensus, China and ASEAN have always accommodated each other's concerns and core interests, enhanced mutual understanding and trust through sincere communication, and appropriately addressed differences and disputes by pursuing common ground while shelving differences. Together, we have upheld peace and stability in East Asia and kept East Asian cooperation to the right direction. －We have set the example of common development and win-win cooperation. China and ASEAN are always committed to pursuing shared development goals, synergizing development strategies, and expanding mutually beneficial cooperation. Trade between us has expanded over 80 times, and China and ASEAN are now each other's largest trading partner. We have worked together to promote the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and put in place a free trade area with the biggest population, largest economic volume and strongest potential. Our cooperation has delivered extensive benefits to the two billion-plus people of the 11 countries. －We have set the example of mutual assistance and solidarity. Facing various challenges, from natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis to the major impacts of SARS and financial crises, China and ASEAN have always provided each other with all-out support and selfless help as a community with a shared future. After COVID-19 struck, our two sides have once again extended each other a helping hand. China has delivered nearly 180 million doses of COVID vaccines to the ten ASEAN countries. The two sides have conducted fruitful cooperation in anti-pandemic supplies assistance, vaccine production and R&D, and stability of industrial and supply chains. Our cooperation serves as a paradigm for global efforts in COVID-response and economic recovery. －We have set the example of mutual learning and harmonious coexistence between civilizations. China and ASEAN are always committed to strengthening people-to-people bonds. Before COVID-19, over 60 million mutual visits were recorded every year. There were more than 200,000 students studying in each other's countries, and over 200 pairs of sister cities between our two sides. These diverse interactions and cooperation in social, cultural and people-to-people fields have carried forward our traditions of good 64 Selected Documentation

neighborliness and partnership and the Asian values of solidarity, collaboration, openness and inclusiveness.

Distinguished Guests, Friends, The combined impacts of major changes in the world situation and the COVID19 pandemic, both unseen in a century, have taken the world into a period of turbulence and transformation. Change means challenges. It also means opportunities. As the China-ASEAN relationship is getting more mature, it is all the more important for us to cherish the valuable experience gained in the 30year cooperation, cherish the hard-won peace and stability in the region, and cherish the sincere friendship that our peoples have nurtured. We should commit ourselves to building a higher-level strategic partnership and forging a stronger community with a shared future to cultivate a more productive and robust China-ASEAN relationship in the next 30 years. －We need to uphold good-neighborliness and enhance strategic mutual trust. China will always take ASEAN as a priority in its diplomacy, especially in its neighborhood diplomacy. China will firmly support ASEAN's community building, and firmly support ASEAN centrality in regional cooperation. Our two sides need to stay in close communication at various levels, and continue to render mutual understanding and support on issues concerning each other's core interests. We need to improve mechanisms and platforms for cooperation, and further consolidate and cement the foundation of strategic mutual trust. －We need to put people first and deepen COVID response cooperation. China is ready to do its best to provide ASEAN countries with COVID vaccines, and support ASEAN countries in building regional vaccine production and distribution centers in order to enhance the accessibility and affordability of vaccines in the region. The two sides need to deliver on the China-ASEAN Cooperation Program on Public Health Management, and jointly protect the life, health and security of people in the region. －We need to focus on development and foster new growth drivers. China is ready to work with ASEAN to support the implementation of the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF), promote the early entry-intoforce and implementation of the RCEP, and expand and enhance cooperation on economy, trade and investment to boost regional economic integration. We need to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, forge a partnership on digital economy, and unlock the potential in such areas as technological innovation, blue economy, sustainable development and transition to a green economy. And we do all this for the purpose of helping sustain regional recovery and ensure the long-term growth of China-ASEAN relations.

65 Selected Documentation

－We need to bear in mind the bigger picture and safeguard peace and stability. China is willing to step up dialogue and consultation with the parties concerned on the South China Sea to properly manage differences, steer clear of external disruptions, advance practical maritime cooperation, and maintain peace, stability and long-term security in the South China Sea. We need to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety, and speed up consultations on a code of conduct (COC) in order to reach a substantive and effective COC that conforms with the international law, including UNCLOS. －We need to uphold solidarity and coordination and defend justice and fairness. China will work with ASEAN to safeguard the UN-centered international system and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. We need to champion multilateralism with Asian characteristics, build an open and inclusive framework for regional cooperation, and defend the common interests of people of developing countries and of the whole world. Together, we can make greater contribution to a fairer, more just, more peaceful and safer world.

Distinguished Guests, Friends, Not long ago, China celebrated the centenary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Leaders of ASEAN countries, the ASEAN Secretary-General and friends from various sectors extended warm congratulations to China through different channels. We deeply appreciate this. In his important speech marking the centenary, General Secretary Xi Jinping reviewed the great accomplishments the Chinese people made under the CPC's leadership. He announced that China has realized the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and is now marching in strides toward the goal of building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects.

At this new historical starting point, China will continue to firmly pursue peaceful development, expand opening-up, and deepen all-round cooperation with all countries, including ASEAN countries. China will work with ASEAN to stay as good neighbors that look out for each other in times of need, good friends sharing weal and woe, and good partners in pursuit of common development. I am convinced that through our concerted efforts, China-ASEAN relations will grow with greater maturity and confidence, and embrace a better and more promising future. I also hope that the experts and scholars could fully speak their minds during the Conference, and contribute wisdom and strengths to the steady growth of China-ASEAN relations.

To conclude, I wish the Conference a full success. Thank you.

66 Selected Documentation

September (B) Speech by Premier Li Keqiang at the 7th Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit Source: https://english.www.gov.cn/premier/speeches/202109/11/content _WS613be916c6d0df57f98e005d.html Released on: September 9, 2021 Speech by H.E. Li Keqiang Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China At the Seventh GMS Summit Beijing, 9 September 2021 Prime Minister Hun Sen, Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am delighted to meet you all via video link for the seventh GMS Summit. I wish to thank the Cambodian government and Prime Minister Hun Sen for the tremendous efforts made for the meeting.

China and the Mekong countries enjoy geographical proximity, cultural affinity and economic complementarity. As each other’s closer-than-close neighbors, we are like one big family and have much natural advantage for cooperation.

President Xi Jinping has put forward the vision for building a community with a shared future with neighbors. The GMS economic cooperation program has, since its inception nearly 30 years ago, maintained a momentum of steady development. It has advanced practical cooperation, produced significant outcomes and achieved mature operation in infrastructure development and sub-regional economic integration. Such progress has been an enabling factor for the economic and social development in our countries, the betterment of people’s lives, and stability and prosperity in the wider region.

In particular, faced with the COVID-19 challenge, our six countries have stood together in solidarity and rendered each other support in protecting the life and health of our people. The families of the 86 Cambodian children who recovered from their congenital heart disease after receiving treatment in China’s Yunnan Province, passed their love by sending 5,021 masks to China to help with the fight against the coronavirus. This became a much told story in those tough 67 Selected Documentation

times. China, on its part, has also actively provided medical supplies and technical assistance to and shared anti-COVID experience with the Mekong countries. Meanwhile, we have worked jointly to spur economic recovery, ensure the effective running of the “fast tracks” and “green lanes” for travel and transport, and open up new horizons for economic growth. In the first half of this year, trade between China and the five Mekong countries totaled 192.2 billion US dollars, up by nearly 40 percent year-on-year, and the figure is expected to set a new record for the whole year. Tropical fruits from the Mekong countries, such as durian, dragon fruit and mango, are highly popular among Chinese consumers. And Chinese tangerine and apple can reach shop shelves in Bangkok within three days. Between January and June this year, the New LandSea Corridor in Western China, a priority project in our connectivity cooperation, delivered three times more TEUs of goods year-on-year. All this attests to the great vitality and strong resilience of our sub-regional cooperation.

Colleagues, The world today is seeing repeated resurgence and frequent mutations of the coronavirus. The complex and serious situation surrounding COVID response has added to the instability and uncertainty in the world economy. The economies of the sub-region have taken a serious hit. External demand is anaemic. Industrial and supply chains are disrupted. There are new challenges to economic recovery and sustainable growth. In this context, the theme of this year’s Summit, “Renewed Strength to Face the Challenges of the New Decade”, is a highly fitting one. We need to strengthen mutual political trust, expand areas of cooperation, enhance the quality of cooperation, and jointly foster a more inter-connected, prosperous, sustainable and inclusive sub-region.

To this end, I wish to make a six-point proposal.

First, we need to deepen water resources cooperation to the benefit of all riparian countries. The legitimate rights and interests of all countries in developing and utilizing their water resources as appropriate should be fully respected. Meanwhile, we need to accommodate each other’s interests and concerns, and advance cooperation by building consensus. Starting from last year, China has been sharing the Lancang River’s whole-year hydrological data with the Mekong countries under the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation framework.

China has taken the lead in launching the website of Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation Information Sharing Platform. China will work with other parties to hold the second Ministerial Meeting of Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation and Water Resources Cooperation Forum to strengthen the unity and cooperation between upstream and downstream, and enhance our capacity for integrated river basin management and water resources management.

68 Selected Documentation

Second, we need to put life first and join hands to ensure sound COVID-19 response. The pandemic is far from over yet. Hence, stemming the spread of the virus, and protecting people’s life safety and health remain our first-order priority. We need to embrace the spirit of science, follow the law of science, and work together for COVID-19 response and vaccine cooperation. China will continue to do its best to provide assistance of vaccines and other medical supplies to the Mekong countries on a priority basis. It is hoped that the Asia Pacific Vaccine Access Facility (APVAX) established by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will extend urgently-needed funding support in a science-based, open and inclusive manner, to enhance vaccine access for countries in the subregion. China will also harness the Special Fund for Public Health within the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation framework for cooperation on COVID-19 monitoring, traditional medicines and communicable disease control.

Third, we need to strengthen trade and investment and jointly bolster economic recovery. Post-COVID economic recovery is both a must for the progress of humanity and a priority task for all countries. We need to ratify the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership at a faster pace, and implement well the protocol on upgrading China-ASEAN Free Trade Area to advance open and integrated regional development and inject strong impetus into the development of countries in the sub-region and beyond. China is ready to work with relevant Mekong countries to promote the development and operation of the special economic zones and industrial parks, intensify cooperation on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), border trade and cross-border ecommerce, and deepen cooperation on agricultural trade, quality and safety, and COVID-19 response.

Fourth, we need to advance connectivity and realize coordinated development. Connectivity is an important safeguard for sub-regional economic cooperation and integration. We need to implement the GMS Transport Sector Strategy 2030, fully leverage the exemplary role of the ChinaLaos railway which will soon become operational, and accelerate the development of the China-Thailand railway, the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville expressway and other major projects. These will help link up the regional transportation arteries between the south and the north. By fully harnessing the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor in promoting interconnected regional development, we may foster economic corridors where transportation, logistics, commerce and industries are deeply integrated. We need to explore a policy framework for coordinated and sustainable energy development, advance the building of the Regional Power Coordination Center (RPCC) and strengthen connectivity cooperation on 5G, land optical cable and other information infrastructure. We welcome the active participation of the ADB, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and other financial institutions and development partners in the financing of relevant projects.

69 Selected Documentation

Fifth, we need to promote sustainable development and keep improving people’s lives. We should speed up the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, enhance cooperation on climate response and environmental protection, and deliver the third phase of the GMS Core Environment Program well. We need to actively explore new modes of tourism cooperation in the context of regularized COVID-19 control, and deepen cooperation on human resources and vocational skills to boost our economic recovery. China will fully tap into the Poverty Reduction and Regional Cooperation Fund set up under the ADB to support poverty reduction in the subregion to the benefit of the people.

Sixth, we need to solidify political trust and safeguard the common interests of all countries in the sub-region. We must cherish the good development momentum in the sub-region, keep to good-neighborliness, mutual respect and equality, and accommodate each other’s major concerns. We need to continue to uphold multilateralism, promote the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and support the independent choice of countries for development paths that suit their national conditions. We need to continue to advocate openness and inclusiveness, and enhance the coordination among the GMS, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) and the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS), to bring out the strengths of each framework and build up synergies for development.

Colleagues, Last year, in the face of the changing environment at home and abroad and multiple challenges including the severe impact of the pandemic, China made coordinated efforts to fight COVID-19 and advance economic and social development. We adopted multi-pronged measures to protect employment, meet people’s basic needs and shore up market entities. Thanks to these efforts, our economic fundamentals were kept stable, and China was the only major economy registering positive growth last year. This year, the Chinese economy has maintained steady recovery and a good momentum, yet it also faces rising uncertainties and difficulties. For China, development is the foundation and key to overcoming all challenges. We will focus on managing China’s own affairs well by grounding our efforts in the reality that China is at a new development stage, applying the new development philosophy, fostering a new development paradigm and pursuing high-quality development. We will make our macroregulation more forward-looking, focused and effective, and carry out crosscyclical adjustments to see that major economic indicators remain within an appropriate range. We will further deepen reform, and foster a market-oriented, world-class business environment governed by a sound legal framework to further energize market entities and unleash social creativity. We will pursue opening-up at a higher level. We welcome investment from companies around 70 Selected Documentation

the world, and will continue to treat domestic and foreign-invested enterprises indiscriminately and promote fair competition. We will take concrete measures to protect intellectual property rights and actively engage in international cooperation. China’s development will generate new development opportunities and new development dividends for the Mekong countries and beyond.

With relentless pursuit, we will usher in a bright future. Three years later, China will host the eighth GMS Summit. We wish to work with the Mekong countries, with trail-blazing courage and a spirit of togetherness, to jointly advance the regional economic integration, build a GMS Community with a shared future and uphold peace and stability in the region. Together, we will make new contributions to the integrated development and shared prosperity in the subregion.

Thank you.

(C) The Joint Declaration of the 7th Greater Mekong Subregion Summit For detail see: https://pressocm.gov.kh/en/archives/71797 Released on: September 9, 2021 (D) Chronicle of International Cooperation on WHO-convened Global Study of Origins of SARS-CoV-2: China Part For detail see: http://www.bjreview.com/Documents/202109/t20210930_800 259635.html Released on: September 30, 2021

October (E) Speech by State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Reception in Commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations Source: https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/wjb_663304/wjbz_663308/2461 _663310/202110/t20211011_9889345.html Released on: October 9, 2021 Remarks by H.E. Wang Yi State Councilor and Foreign Minister of The People's Republic of China At Reception Commemorating the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations

71 Selected Documentation

Beijing, 8 October 2021 Distinguished Guests, Friends, Good evening!

It gives me great pleasure to join you in celebrating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of China-ASEAN dialogue relations. I wish to begin by extending our warm welcome and heartfelt appreciation to all the distinguished guests and friends from various sectors who have long been committed to growing ChinaASEAN relations.

Since the dialogue relationship was established in 1991, China and ASEAN have embraced the opportunities of the times and focused on common development.

Together we have found a path of progress in solidarity and cooperation for winwin. Today, our two sides have become each other's largest trading partner, most vibrant cooperation partner, and most substantive strategic partner. We have delivered significant benefits to the two billion people of the 11 countries, and made important contributions to peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region and beyond.

We have followed the Asian way of engaging with each other, and jointly strengthened good-neighborliness and friendship. Building on our traditional friendship, the two sides have always treated each other with equality, continued to deepen mutual trust, and taken the lead in establishing the strategic partnership. In the spirit of seeking common ground while shelving differences, we have been properly addressing our differences through friendly consultations, and we have maintained overall peace and stability in the region.

We have stayed committed to the vision of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, and jointly promoted development and prosperity. By synergizing the Belt and Road Initiative with ASEAN's development plans, China and ASEAN have fostered integrated and interconnected development. Over the past 30 years, our trade volume has grown by 85 times and two-way investment has exceeded US$310 billion in cumulative terms. We have worked together to promote the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), thus injecting a strong impetus to economic recovery in the region.

We have upheld the spirit of solidarity and partnership, and jointly tackled difficulties and challenges. In the face of financial crises, natural disasters and cross-border infectious diseases, China and ASEAN have worked hand-in-hand and demonstrated with concrete actions the meaning of a community with a shared future. Since COVID-19 started, China has offered over 300 million doses of vaccines and a large amount of containment supplies to the ten ASEAN 72 Selected Documentation

countries. The two sides have also conducted robust cooperation in vaccine development and production and in public health, setting a fine example of international cooperation to beat the virus.

We have forged closer bonds of mutual learning and people-to-people exchange, and jointly deepened affinity among our peoples. Our two sides have put in place important platforms and programs such as the China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week and the China-ASEAN Young Leaders Scholarship, and have held "China-ASEAN Year" activities in such areas as culture, education and tourism. Before COVID-19, over 65 million mutual visits were recorded every year. There were more than 200,000 students studying in each other's countries. These interactions have effectively increased mutual understanding among our peoples, and made the garden of East Asian civilizations more flourishing.

We have developed an open and inclusive regional architecture, and jointly upheld international justice. China and ASEAN have maintained close communication and coordination on international and regional affairs. Together we have safeguarded the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and upheld international fairness and justice. China has firmly supported ASEAN integration and ASEAN centrality in regional cooperation, and has been working with ASEAN to forge a regional family of inclusiveness and solidarity.

Distinguished Guests, Friends, Confucius once observed, "One should be able to establish himself at the age of thirty." Establishing oneself means independence and maturity. It also means being calm, collected and firmly resolved. At this crucial stage of building on past achievements and working for fresh progress, it is all the more important for us to cherish the valuable experience gained in the past three decades, treasure the friendship that we nurtured with dedication, value the hard-won state of peace and development, and keep our relations firmly in the right direction. China stands ready to work with ASEAN countries, and take the 30th anniversary as an opportunity to further unlock the potential of our cooperation, build a higherlevel strategic partnership, and forge a stronger community with a shared future so as to create a more conducive strategic environment for our respective development and for the long-term peace and prosperity in our region.

We need to draw up a master plan for cooperation and work to upgrade our relations. We need to follow the guidance from the top level, strengthen exchanges between our leaders, deepen strategic communication and mutual political trust, and draw up a blueprint for the long-term growth of our relations.

We need to continue to actively facilitate the establishment of a China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership, demonstrating the will for solidarity and 73 Selected Documentation

cooperation, and setting a new benchmark for and adding new substance to our relations.

We need to shape the trend of development and foster new growth areas for practical cooperation. China stands ready to take the opportunity of building a new development paradigm with dual circulations to further synergize development strategies with ASEAN. Our two sides need to conduct high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, jointly support the implementation of the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF), promote the early entry-into-force and implementation of the RCEP, and accelerate economic recovery in the region. Emerging fields including digital economy, technological innovation and blue economy need to be vigorously explored, and green transition and sustainable development strengthened in the region. China has officially applied to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and is ready to play a greater, positive role in economic globalization.

We need to improve people's well-being and make sure that cooperation benefits are shared by the people. China will continue to do its best to provide ASEAN with vaccines and other anti-COVID supplies, support the building of regional vaccine production and distribution centers, and work with ASEAN to strengthen public health cooperation to ensure the life, health and security of people in the region. We need to strengthen cooperation in such areas as poverty alleviation, disaster preparedness and relief and social development, help narrow regional development gap and improve people's lives, so as to achieve common prosperity for more people.

We need to carry forward our friendship forged over the past generations and strengthen the pillar of social and people-to-people exchange. We need to keep up the momentum of people-to-people exchange and cultural cooperation, and look into the early resumption of mutual visits in light of the COVID-19 situation. We need to tap into the role of the China-ASEAN Cooperation Fund, further enhance cooperation in culture, tourism, youth, media, think tanks and others, send a stronger message of friendship and cooperation, and cement public support for our relations.

We need to focus on the vision of peace and ensure long-term stability and security of the South China Sea. We need to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), maintain that disagreements and disputes should be properly managed through dialogue and consultation by countries directly concerned, speed up consultations on the code of conduct (COC), steadily advance practical maritime cooperation, and make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation.

74 Selected Documentation

We need to follow the defining trend of the times and contribute positive energy to global governance. We need to hold high the banner of peace, development and cooperation, actively implement the Global Development Initiative, and jointly participate in global economic, security, cyberspace and environmental governance. We need to jointly uphold true multilateralism and open regionalism, and stand against unilateralism, protectionism, Cold War mentality and zero-sum game. We need to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of people in developing countries and the world, and help shape the international order toward greater justice and equality.

Distinguished Guests, Friends, The past 30 years is a journey of perseverence, progress and productive cooperation. The fruitful results of China-ASEAN relations would not have been possible without the great vision of our leaders, the dedication of friends from both sides and the hard work of the people. Looking ahead, we need to continue to pool our strengths with a unity of purpose and forge ahead side by side to create a brighter future for China-ASEAN relations.

Thank you.

(F) The China-ASEAN Joint Statement on Cooperation in Support of the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework Source: https://asean.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/64.-Final-ASEAN -China-Joint-Statement-on-Cooperation-in-Support-of-ACRF.pdf Released on: October 26, 2021 ASEAN-CHINA JOINT STATEMENT ON COOPERATION IN SUPPORT OF THE ASEAN COMPREHENSIVE RECOVERY FRAMEWORK We, the Member States of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the People’s Republic of China, gathered at the 24th ASEAN-China Summit on 26 October 2021; NOTING the far-reaching impact and grave challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic to socio-economic development in the region, stressing the importance for ASEAN and China to work together in COVID-19 response and economic recovery, and appreciating the achievements the two sides have made together at the current stage; RECALLING the consensus and commitments on the joint response to COVID-19 and efforts for recovery reflected in the Statement of the Special ASEAN-China

75 Selected Documentation

Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) held in February 2020; WELCOMING efforts to enhance cooperation between both sides including through the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA); NOTING Leaders’ statements and visions of ASEAN Member States and China at the 76th United Nations General Assembly in support of the implementation of the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development through ASEAN’s efforts in promoting complementarities between the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the UN 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development; and RECOGNISING the need for the two sides to strengthen collaboration in postpandemic recovery, explore potential areas of cooperation, share success stories and best practices, make concerted efforts to facilitate socio-economic recovery and long-term, balanced and resilient development, as well as contribute to peace, stability, prosperity and sustainability; Hereby agree on the following: 1. Support the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF) and its Implementation Plan, which will guide both sides in deepening their cooperation in all fields, and appreciate that China will actively cooperate in the broad strategies and key priorities identified in the Framework through implementing practical cooperation initiatives; Cooperation on Public Health 2. Strengthen cooperation in public health through policy dialogue and exchanges through the ASEAN-China Health Ministers’ Meeting, ASEAN-China Senior Officials’ Meeting on Health Development, China-ASEAN Health Cooperation Forum and other relevant mechanisms; 3. Enhance cooperation in training of health executives and professionals, such as in the fields of communicable and non-communicable disease control, publichealth emergency response, safe, effective and quality traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM), and healthcare delivery. Encourage communication between ASEAN contact points for public health emergencies with their Chinese counterparts to facilitate practical and tangible cooperation through relevant mechanisms; 4. Support the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund, and strengthen cooperation on COVID-19 vaccines through various means, including making immunisation against COVID-19 as a global public good, promoting the vaccines to the public, 76 Selected Documentation

jointly engaging in vaccine research and development (R&D), and information on supply capacity so as to help interested ASEAN Member States to build regional vaccine production centers to jointly promote vaccine accessibility and affordability in the region and beyond; 5. Implement the ASEAN-China Public Health Cooperation Initiative: Program on Public Health Emergency Preparedness Capacity (PROMPT) to support cooperation in vaccine R&D, public health capacity-building, and the improvement of information and data exchange platforms on health-related matters; 6. Actively carry out cooperation among medical schools, institutions and universities, maximise the ASEAN-China University Consortium on Medicine and Health as a platform for regional health cooperation and educational exchange, and integrate related educational resources to promote cooperation including joint study on public health policies, personnel training, and discipline development. Chinese Government scholarships exchange program and internship will be provided to outstanding students from ASEAN Member States to support their study of medical and related fields of sciences in China; Cooperation on Social Security 7. Make good use of the mechanism of ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR), and strengthen coordination and mutual assistance among related countries to ensure food supply and food security in the region; 8. Strengthen cooperation on elementary/primary education, vocational education, and higher education in engineering and technology, conduct training programs on employment skills and promote human resource development, including through the ASEAN-China Education Cooperation Week, the ASEANChina Consortium on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Cooperation, the ASEAN-China Network for Cooperation and Exchange among Engineering and Technology Universities and other platforms; 9. Explore the use of the ASEAN-China Cooperation Fund (ACCF) to further strengthen practical cooperation in youth exchanges, culture, and education, and further enhance the flagship program of ASEAN-China Young Leaders’ Scholarship (ACYLS); 10. Enhance exchanges and cooperation on occupational health and safety.

China will strengthen cooperation with the ASEAN Centre for Active Aging and Innovation (ACAI) and other related institutions, promote gender equality andwomen empowerment, and carry out exchanges and cooperation on the promotion and protection of rights and interests as well as social welfare of 77 Selected Documentation

groups such as the poor, children, older persons, persons with disabilities, women and girls, migrant workers as well as other vulnerable groups; 11. Continue the implementation of the ASEAN-China Social Development and Poverty Reduction Forum and related initiatives, and support poverty reduction and capacity building in rural areas of ASEAN Member States through experience sharing, personnel exchange, policy consultation, demonstration programs, including on the use of digital economy, as appropriate; Economic Integration 12. Maintain trade and investment market openness, as well as explore new and enhance existing initiatives to promote trade and investment. Work together to reduce the trade barrier effects of Non-Tariff Measures. Enhance cooperation in customs procedures and trade facilitation with priority given to the facilitation of customs clearance of food, agricultural products, medical products, and other essential goods. Explore the possible exchange of electronic trade-related documents through the ASEAN Single Window. Jointly implement the ASEAN Rules of Origin Implementation Capacity Project. Continue efforts to streamline investment procedures, enhance investment facilitation and jointly carry out investment promotion activities in accordance with the respective national laws; 13. Support the “Connecting the Connectivities” approach, and accelerate the implementation of the ASEAN-China Joint Statement on Synergising the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Explore cooperation on projects in the Initial Rolling Priority Pipeline of Potential ASEAN Infrastructure Projects. Enhance Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), make full use of the ASEAN-China Investment Cooperation Fund II (ACIF II), and cooperate on sustainable infrastructure development including traderelated infrastructure, energy, resources and other major projects to bolster connectivity in the region; 14. Work together for the early entry into force and implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement, to deliver benefits to businesses and people in the region at an early date. Efforts will be made to effectively implement the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA), and the remaining elements in the Future Work Program under the ACFTA Upgrading Protocol and to also explore broader mutual opening-up in other areas under the ACFTA, including by creating more trade opportunities in digital economy and fostering new sources of growth for cooperation, working towards a more inclusive, modern, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial ASEAN-China Free Trade Area;

78 Selected Documentation

15. Strengthen cooperation to enhance the connectivity and resilience of supply chains in the region. Jointly explore the development of economic corridors, as well as economic, trade and industrial parks as part of efforts to deepen cooperation on supply chains including of essential goods, and capitalise on the geographical and industrial advantages of ASEAN and China economic zones to further expand industrial connectivity; 16. Explore ways to strengthen technical cooperation between ASEAN and China including through possible cooperation with the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) in areas aligned with the needs and priorities of ASEAN and its Member States; 17. Continue to discuss the establishment of an ASEAN-China Tourism Ministers’ Meeting mechanism in due course, and promote tourism cooperation within multilateral frameworks. Support the implementation of the ASEAN PostPandemic Tourism Recovery Plan, and the ASEAN Tourism Marketing Strategy, accelerating the implementation of the “Enhance ASEAN Tourism Digital Platform” project, and promoting the safe resumption of air connectivity between ASEAN and China so as to facilitate the promotion of people-to-people connectivity. Strengthen, as relevant, inter-city cooperation on tourism marketing on platforms such as the Culture City of East Asia, the ASEAN City of Culture and the Mekong-Lancang Tourist Cities Cooperation Alliance, and welcome China’s initiative on the Asia Tourism Promotion Plan; Digital Transformation 18. Work together to formulate the Action Plan on Implementing the ASEANChina Partnership on Digital Economy Cooperation (2021-2025) and strengthen cooperation under the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025; 19. Work together to enhance digital connectivity, and support efforts towards bridging the digital divide; 20. Enhance cooperation on e-commerce and digital economy and support the implementation of the Work Plan on the Implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Electronic Commerce 2021-2025. Enhance the development of digital skills and networks of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), including those in the creative economy. Improve financial infrastructure development in the region, and explore cooperation areas such as financial technology, green financing and regional payments connectivity; 21. Actively promote distance education and telemedicine, and develop a digital economy and society that are innovative, sustainable and inclusive of the vulnerable groups of the society to bridge the digital divide; 79 Selected Documentation

22. Enhance digital governance and cyber security and continue to support the ASEAN-China Cyber Dialogue, and work together to expand practical cooperation on cyber security and digital governance, as well as by coordinating with ASEAN Cybersecurity Coordinating Committee. Strengthen cooperation on capacity building through established ASEAN centres of capacity building; 23. Effectively implement the ASEAN-China Leaders Statement on Smart City Cooperation Initiative, support China’s active engagement of the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN), and encourage the establishment of mutually-beneficial city partnerships between ASEAN cities, in particular ASEAN Smart Cities Network cities and Chinese cities as well as partnerships involving private sector solution providers and other relevant institutions from both sides; Sustainable Development 24. Strengthen the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and early realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); 25. Implement the outcomes of the ASEAN-China Year of Sustainable Development Cooperation, actively push forward sustainable economic recovery in the region, explore possible cooperation on circular economy and other sustainable economic models as inspired by regional and national action plans such as the Belt and Road Partnership on Green Development and BioCircular-Green Economy to achieve green, low-carbon, sustainable recovery and development and work together to promote the complementarities between the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; 26. Support the convening of ASEAN-China high-level environmental policy dialogues and enhance exchanges and cooperation on the environment and sustainable development between ASEAN and Chinese institutions, including the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue, the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, and the China-ASEAN Environmental Cooperation Center (CAEC). Jointly implement the Framework of ASEAN-China Environmental Cooperation Strategy and Action Plan (2021-2025), promote cooperation in priority areas including environmental policy dialogue and capacity building, climate change and air quality improvement, sustainable cities and marine plastic reduction, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem management. Promote integrated water resources management and explore ASEAN-China partnership on mangrove forest protection and other naturebased solutions to achieve the sustainability of the regional environment; 27. Uphold the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement, strengthen 80 Selected Documentation

dialogue and international cooperation to respond to climate change, increase information exchange and experience sharing, provide mutual support and explore exchanges and cooperation in carbon trade and related areas to jointly address climate change and realise the transition to green and low-carbon development; 28. Strengthen technological cooperation on energy storage, power grid, protection of critical energy infrastructures, and new energy sources, increase energy efficiency, realise the transition towards renewable and sustainable energy, exchange views on policies on low-carbon growth. Support the implementation of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) Phase II: 2021-2025. Implement the ASEAN-China New and Renewable Energy Action Plan and the ASEAN-China Clean Energy Capacity Building Program, through various activities such as knowledge and information exchange, capacity building programmes, joint research and publications, and demonstration projects, and actively carry out cooperation on standardisation of renewable energy and mutual recognition of standards on a multilateral basis; 29. Deepen and expand the ASEAN-China Partnership for Eco-friendly Urban Development, engage in cooperation on sustainable and green infrastructure, low-carbon technologies, marine plastic reduction, improvement of environment quality and other areas of urban sustainable development through policy communication and sharing of best practices to jointly achieve sustainable urban transformation for green development; 30. Build a closer partnership in science, technology and innovation. Strengthen the sharing of best practices of science and innovation policies, support young ASEAN and China scientists to conduct scientific research in ASEAN and China, strengthen the existing ASEAN-China Technology Transfer Centre, and support the building of a joint platform and base for ASEAN-China science and innovation cooperation; 31. Promote sustainable development of agriculture that incorporates circular economy and enhance agricultural productivity, integrate agriculture with tourism, culture, health and other sectors, and increase the added value of agricultural products; 32. Make full use of the ASEAN-China Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management (AMMDM Plus China), support the implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) work programmes and the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre) work plans; and 33. Encourage the increase of the proportion of sustainable investment and financing between both sides, support financing institutions and relevant 81 Selected Documentation

enterprises to grow and promote green financing and green financial markets in an orderly manner, and work towards interoperability of standards for green and transition activities in the region.

(G) The China-ASEAN Joint Statement on Enhancing Green and Sustainable Development Cooperation Source: https://asean.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/65.-Final-ASEAN -China-Joint-Statement-on-Green-and-Sustainable-DevelopmentCooperation.pdf Released on: October 26, 2021 ASEAN-China Joint Statement on Enhancing Green and Sustainable Development Cooperation (Final) We, the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the People’s Republic of China, gathered at the 24th ASEAN-China Summit on 26 October 2021; Recalling the important documents that lay the groundwork and chart the course for cooperation on environmental protection and sustainable development between the two sides, including the ASEAN-China Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity signed in October 2003, the ASEAN-China Leaders’ Joint Statement on Sustainable Development issued in October 2010, the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership Vision 2030 adopted in November 2018, and the Plan of Action to Implement the Joint Declaration on ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity (2021–2025) adopted in November 2020; Reaffirming the needs to enhance ASEAN-China cooperation in support of the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework adopted at the 37th ASEAN Summit in November 2020, in the post-pandemic era for long-term sustainable development; Emphasising the importance of carrying out sustainable development cooperation amid the global fight against COVID-19 and promoting transformation towards green and low-carbon economic development after COVID-19; Recognising the significance of exploring cooperation in implementing the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, the ASEAN - China Strategic Partnership Vision 2030, the Outline of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for National Economic and Social Development and the Long-Range Objectives through the 82 Selected Documentation

Year 2035, and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to jointly contribute to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Commending China for the successful hosting of the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (Part One) in Kunming, China in October 2021, and ASEAN side for their contribution to the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework; Welcoming the meaningful activities carried out by both sides under the 2021 ASEAN-China Year of Sustainable Development Cooperation; Emphasising the importance and shared aspiration of cooperation in ecological conservation and environmental protection, climate change response, poverty eradication, food security, disaster prevention and mitigation, and other areas related to sustainable development; Hereby agree to: 1. Support the implementation of the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework, under which practical cooperation would be undertaken on sustainable development and other key areas set out in the Framework; support the implementation of the Complementarities Roadmap (2020-2025) to promote sustainable development in the region, as well as explore cooperation with relevant ASEAN institutions such as the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue (ACSDSD); 2. Welcome the adoption of the Framework of ASEAN-China Environmental Cooperation Strategy and Action Plan (2021–2025) and look forward to its effective implementation, support the important role of the China-ASEAN Environmental Cooperation Centre in this context and commend the organisation of ASEAN-China Environmental Cooperation Forum to strengthen exchanges of experiences and best practices, dialogue and pragmatic cooperation in the field of environment; 3. Support the implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, join efforts to promote climate change mitigation and adaptation, including through cooperation in energy transition and strengthening energy resilience, advance ASEAN-China cooperation in implementation of sustainable forest management, protection and sustainable use of mangroves, promotion of climate smart agriculture, knowledge sharing on climate change tackling, etc., explore nature-based climate solutions, and promote sustainable management of natural resources;

83 Selected Documentation

4. Facilitate cooperation between the China-ASEAN Environmental Cooperation Centre and the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, to promote the mainstreaming of biodiversity conservation, and enhance biodiversity conservation capability, so as to make regional contribution to implementing the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework when adopted; 5. Under the framework of ASEAN-China Partnership for Eco-Friendly Urban Development, promote international exchanges and cooperation on “environmentally sustainable city”, intensify experience exchanges in circular economy areas such as sound and environmentally-friendly management of solid waste life cycle, plastic pollution control, and marine plastic pollution prevention, monitoring and control, utilising ASEAN city-related platforms and initiatives, such as the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN) and the ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Strategy (ASUS) to promote capacity building, knowledge sharing, and partnerships in these areas for cities in the region; 6. Facilitate the implementation of the Project under the East Asian Cooperation Initiative on Poverty Reduction (Phase II) and continue to organise activities such as the ASEAN-China Forum on Social Development and Poverty Reduction and the ASEAN+3 Village Leaders Exchange Programme, to strengthen exchanges and cooperation to implement the ASEAN Framework Action Plan on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication 2021-2025, focusing Strategic objective (3) Protective: Institutionalise disaster preparedness programmes to environment and climate change risks towards resilient communities and households; 7. Support ASEAN in narrowing the development gap through implementing the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Work Plan IV (2021-2025), and by aligning sub-regional growth with the comprehensive development of ASEAN including through cooperation with sub-regional mechanisms such as the LancangMekong Cooperation, ACMECS and the BIMP-EAGA - China Cooperation, while promoting equitable, inclusive, green, and sustainable development across the region, ASEAN integration and ASEAN Community building efforts; 8. Facilitate cooperation under the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management (AMMDM) Plus China mechanism, to support the implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response Work Programme 2021-2025 through the exchange of knowledge and experience, and to jointly enhance disaster management capabilities; 9. Foster and expand cooperative partnerships for regional sustainable development, and encourage cooperation among government, international organisations, research institutions, financial institutions, the private sector and communities to jointly promote green and sustainable development in the region.

84 Selected Documentation

(H) Speech by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the 24th China-ASEAN Summit Source: http://en.people.cn/n3/2021/1027/c900009911957.html Released on: October 27, 2021 Speech by H.E. Li Keqiang Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China At the 24th China-ASEAN Summit Beijing, 26 October 2021 Your Majesty Sultan Hassanal, Colleagues, It is a great pleasure to meet you all on the “cloud” to attend the 24th ChinaASEAN Summit. I would like to thank His Majesty Sultan Hassanal and the Bruneian government for their contributions to hosting this meeting.

China-ASEAN relations now enjoy sound and steady growth. Our practical cooperation keeps moving ahead across the board. Over the past year, President Xi Jinping and leaders of ASEAN countries have engaged in in-depth strategic communication through multiple means. Our two sides have overcome the adverse impact of COVID-19, maintained close exchanges at all levels and conducted vibrant interactions both online and in person. China and ASEAN countries have pulled together with solidarity in this trying time. With its resilience further demonstrated and cooperation potential further unlocked, China-ASEAN relationship shows a sound momentum of all-round and in-depth development.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the China-ASEAN dialogue relationship.

Over the past three decades, we have actively embraced the trend of the times, promoted common development and progress, and created with joint efforts the East Asian miracle. We have safeguarded overall stability and sustained economic growth in the region, and established a path of good-neighborliness and win-win cooperation. China-ASEAN relations have achieved a historic leap.

We have remained committed to amity and good faith, and steadily enhanced strategic mutual trust. We have followed the East Asian way of building consensus through consultation and accommodating each other’s comfort levels. We have upheld multilateralism, jointly preserved the ASEANcentered, open and inclusive regional architecture and become a key force for regional peace and tranquility. We have adhered to the basic approach of

85 Selected Documentation

dialogue and consultation, properly handled differences, and effectively safeguarded peace and stability in the South China Sea. We have remained committed to mutual help and support, and carried out active cooperation against COVID-19. In light of the changing situation of the pandemic, China and ASEAN countries have provided each other with containment supplies, shared response experience and cooperated on the research and development, supply and production of vaccines. We have speedily responded to each other’s needs and done our best to help one another.

We have remained committed to mutual benefit and win-win, and joined hands in boosting economic recovery. China and ASEAN countries have kept the markets open to each other. Our trade and investment has continuously expanded, cross-border e-commerce has been flourishing, and our industrial and supply chains have become more closely linked. Since last year, ASEAN has been China’s biggest trading partner. For China, ASEAN is also a predominant destination of outbound investment and source of foreign direct investment.

We have remained committed to heart-to-heart engagement, and worked vigorously to deepen affinity among our people. Despite the impact of COVID-19, our people-to-people and cultural exchanges have not been interrupted. Interactions in culture and among media, think tanks, and youth have shown a stronger momentum. Such signature programs as the ChinaASEAN Education Cooperation Week and the China-ASEAN Young Leaders Scholarship enjoy a rising profile.

I look forward to an in-depth exchange of views with you on ways to further intensify China-ASEAN cooperation to lend new impetus to the upgrading of the China-ASEAN Strategic Partnership.

Colleagues, China will not halt its pursuit of comprehensive reform or stop its pace of opening-up. China will continue to resolutely follow, together with other countries, the right path of mutually beneficial cooperation, and better integrate itself into the Asia-Pacific and the world economies. We are ready to deepen friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation with ASEAN countries and the wider world in the course of opening-up. To this end, I wish to propose the following for our cooperation in the next stage: First, we need to jointly build a line of defense for health. Given the repeated resurgence of the coronavirus worldwide, we need to further coordinate our efforts in COVID response and economic and social development. We need to enhance policy communication and coordination, and continue to act in a concerted way to ensure effective COVID response. Vaccines are a powerful 86 Selected Documentation

weapon to defeat COVID-19. China will further increase assistance in vaccines and anti-COVID supplies in light of ASEAN’s needs, continue to support ASEAN in building regional vaccine production and distribution centers at a faster pace, and strengthen cooperation on the research and development, production and technology transfer of vaccines and specific medicines for COVID-19. China is developing an information system platform for global COVID-19 data integration and risk analysis, and is ready to share COVID surveillance and containment data with ASEAN in a timely manner, to jointly enhance capacity for early warning and emergency response. Bearing in mind the needs in the post-COVID era, China hopes to work with ASEAN to fully implement the ChinaASEAN Cooperation Program on Public Health Management, focusing on closer exchange and cooperation in the prevention and control of communicable diseases and cultivation of medical and healthcare professionals. China proposes establishing a China-ASEAN Public Health Research and Development Collaborating Center to empower public health cooperation with science and technology.

Second, we need to deepen economic integration. As global industrial and supply chains undergo a new round of profound adjustments, the momentum of regionalization has kept growing. China and ASEAN countries need to harness our strengths of geographical proximity and industrial complementarity to pursue regional economic integration at a higher level. As the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) approaches the threshold of entry into force, parties need to hasten work for the agreement to take effect as early as possible, so that people of all regional countries get to benefit from its outcomes at an early date. China will work with ASEAN to officially launch the joint feasibility study to identify other areas for possible inclusion in further enhancing the China-ASEAN FTA, focus on the digital economy, green economy and other new areas of cooperation, and make bilateral and regional economic and trade relations more mutually beneficial, open and inclusive. China and Cambodia have ratified the bilateral Free Trade Agreement, and the agreement will come into force and be implemented soon. China proposes discussing MultiNation Multi-Park cooperation with ASEAN, and building exemplary parks of international industrial capacity cooperation. China has officially applied to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and hopes to have the support of ASEAN countries. The China Import and Export Fair, the China International Import Expo, and the China-ASEAN Expo are important channels for closer trade and investment cooperation, and we welcome the continued, active participation of all parties in these events.

Third, we need to promote inclusive development. COVID-19 has widened the development gap, and aggravated the inadequate and unbalanced development in the region. We need to better synergize our development strategies, make the pie of common interests bigger and invigorate cooperation to share development outcomes. We have unanimously agreed to issue the 87 Selected Documentation

China-ASEAN Joint Statement on Cooperation in Support of the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework. The ASEAN Summit has adopted the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on the Blue Economy. China hopes to work with ASEAN to speed up the building of the Partnership on Blue Economy. We need to tap into our respective strengths and promote coordinated development.

China is ready to enhance international development cooperation with ASEAN, set up dedicated offices in ASEAN countries and build demonstration areas of development cooperation. China will continue to hold the China-ASEAN Forum on Social Development and Poverty Reduction, share the experience and practices of poverty reduction and rural revitalization, and help narrow the development gap. The mechanism of China-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management should be effectively used to help raise with joint efforts our capacity for disaster prevention, mitigation and relief. We welcome ASEAN’s active participation in the Belt and Road Ministerial Forum for International Cooperation in Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Management that China will host. China will continue to work with ASEAN to deepen the LancangMekong cooperation and the China-BIMP-EAGA cooperation to contribute to ASEAN integration.

Fourth, we need to uphold an innovation-driven approach. Innovation is the primary force in driving development. We need to accelerate the commercialization and application of innovation outcomes in science and technology, to provide fresh impetus for high-quality development in the postCOVID era. The two sides need to deliver on the Plan of Action on a Closer Partnership of Science, Technology and Innovation for Future (2021-2025), develop joint research platforms and cooperation bases for innovation and entrepreneurship, strengthen human resources training and deepen the exchanges between researchers. China will work with ASEAN to explore cooperation on industrial design and increase the value of industrial manufactured products with innovative design. Digitization centering on big data represents the future. We need to finalize the Plan of Action on the Implementation of the China-ASEAN Digital Economy Partnership as quickly as possible, and identify the priorities for digital economy cooperation. China will launch such projects as the Preparation for Smart and Sustainable Urbanization in ASEAN Cities, and hopes to work with ASEAN countries to build a ChinaASEAN Geosciences and Mining Information Big Data Platform and establish a China-ASEAN Satellite Remote Sensing Application Center.

Fifth, we need to expand green cooperation. Climate response, ecological conservation and a transition to low-carbon economy and society are common tasks for us all. We need to strengthen policy dialogue and practical cooperation, and implement well the Framework of China-ASEAN Environmental Cooperation Strategy and Action Plan 2021-2025. Our two sides may help preserve global and regional bio-diversity through closer cooperation on mangrove protection, and facilitate knowledge sharing on climate change and environmental protection 88 Selected Documentation

through such programs as network building of low-carbon schools and climateresilient communities. We need to push for the transition and upgrading of energy industries and economic structures as appropriate, and develop green industrial parks. China is ready to scale up its new energy investment. The relevant departments will work with the ASEAN Centre for Energy to implement the ASEAN-China Clean Energy Capacity Building Programme, jointly build platforms for clean energy technological cooperation and facilitate technology transfer in new energy.

Sixth, we need to cement the foundation of popular support. Amity between the people is an inexhaustible driving force for our friendship and cooperation.

We need to resume people-to-people exchanges in a safe and orderly way based on the evolving COVID situation. In particular, we should manage the return of ASEAN students to China for school in a phased manner while ensuring COVIDrelated safety. We need to better synergize our education policies and deepen cooperation on human resources development. China proposes setting up a China-ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting mechanism on education, and will continue to host the China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week, to better share the development experience and outcomes in basic, vocational and higher education. We need to make the most of the China-ASEAN Young Leaders Scholarship and other platforms to add new strength to the bond of friendship between our people. China will make a US$10 million additional contribution to the China-ASEAN Cooperation Fund to boost the friendly and practical cooperation between our two sides.

Colleagues, China is firm in its commitment to the path of peaceful development, to safeguarding world peace and regional stability, and to promoting common development. Peace in the South China Sea serves the common interest of China and ASEAN countries; its development is our shared aspiration and its tranquility requires our collective efforts. Despite COVID-19, we have substantively resumed negotiations of the Single Draft COC Negotiating Text and made positive progress. Next year will be the 20th anniversary of the signing of the DOC. China hopes to work with ASEAN countries to mark this occasion with commemorative activities, and use it as an opportunity to actively expand maritime practical cooperation, expedite COC negotiations and strive for early conclusion of the COC, to make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation.

Colleagues, Similar proverbs in China and Brunei both say, “unity is strength”. Unity is the ASEAN family’s source of strength and the root of ASEAN centrality. For many years, ASEAN has kept to the principles of consensus building through 89 Selected Documentation

consultation, non-interference in internal affairs and accommodation of each other’s comfort levels. These principles have played a key role in safeguarding ASEAN’s interests and promoting peace and stability in the region. The greater ASEAN upholds unity and independence, the more wisdom and capability it has to use the ASEAN way to properly resolve the pressing issues at the moment.

This is in the interest of Southeast Asia, and peace and development in the region and beyond.

As ASEAN’s good neighbor, good friend and good partner, China hopes to see a united, independent and strong ASEAN. I hereby reaffirm that China always sees ASEAN as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy. We will, as always, firmly support the unity of ASEAN, firmly support its Community-building, firmly support ASEAN centrality in the regional architecture, and firmly support ASEAN in playing a bigger role in regional and international affairs.

Next month, we will jointly hold a summit to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the China-ASEAN dialogue relationship. It will be an important milestone in our relations to build on the past and plan for the future. I am confident that with our concerted efforts, the giant ship of China-ASEAN friendship and cooperation will sail ahead steadily, and make greater contributions to peace, stability, development and prosperity of Asia.

Thank you.

(I) Speech by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the 24th ASEAN Plus Three Summit Source: http://en.people.cn/n3/2021/1028/c90000-9912437.html Released on: October 28, 2021 Speech by H.E. Li Keqiang Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China At the 24th ASEAN Plus China, Japan, ROK Summit Beijing, 27 October 2021 Your Majesty Sultan Hassanal, Colleagues, It is my great pleasure to attend the 24th ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Summit via video link and discuss with you plans for East Asian development. I would like to thank His Majesty the Sultan and the Bruneian government for the thoughtful arrangements made for the summit.

90 Selected Documentation

The APT countries enjoy geographical proximity and our futures are closely interconnected. Over the past 20-plus years, we have kept to the overall direction of cooperation, continuously advanced regional economic integration and jointly responded to challenges on the public health, energy, food and financial fronts. These efforts have bolstered our development at home and prosperity and stability in East Asia. When COVID-19 was at its height last year, we held the Special APT Summit against the odds. The APT countries have helped and supported each other, waged a joint fight against the coronavirus and kept the regional industrial and supply chains stable. We have taken the joint decision to sign the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) and strive for its early entry into force, to enhance the resilience and vitality of the regional economy and instill confidence and impetus into the economic recovery in our region.

As we meet, the world is still seeing further spread of the coronavirus. Regional countries face multiple challenges on financial stability and energy security as they pursue a sustainable recovery. President Xi Jinping has put forward the important initiative of building a community with a shared future with neighbors. We need to make the most of the mature mechanisms of cooperation and rich experience in crisis response, to navigate this trying time and meet challenges together. We need to promote coordinated progress in epidemic control and economic and social development, boost an all-round and balanced recovery of East Asia and safeguard long-standing prosperity and stability in the region.

Colleagues, Next year will mark the 25th anniversary of APT cooperation. Taking it as a new starting point, we need to enhance planning, spur innovation and jointly build a more open and inclusive East Asia that enjoys sustainable development. Here, I wish to make the following proposals: First, we need to improve public health governance. One pressing task at the moment is to keep up the production capacity of vaccines, ensure their fair distribution in developing countries and accelerate the vaccination process. We need to expedite the building of the APT Reserve of Medical Supplies for Public Health Emergencies, and China is ready to provide 20 million RMB yuan of support for the Reserve. China is building an information system platform for global COVID-19 data integration and risk analysis and a system of APT tabletop exercise for public health emergencies to help bolster regional capacity for epidemic response. China supports adopting the APT Leaders’ Statement on Cooperation on Mental Health Among Adolescents and Young Children at this summit to promote the healthy and well-rounded development of our younger generation.

91 Selected Documentation

Second, we need to deepen regional economic integration. East Asian countries are closely interconnected economically and enjoy strong impetus for cooperation. We need to coordinate more closely on macro economic policies, and adopt more open trade and investment policies to support global economic recovery. As a signature outcome of East Asian cooperation, the RCEP will soon reach the threshold of entry into force. We need to hasten work for the agreement to take effect as early as possible, and continue to advance free trade and pursue higher-level integration. China will host capacity building programs such as personnel training and experience sharing on RCEP implementation for interested governments, business chambers or associations and companies of ASEAN countries. China will also organize a symposium for high-standard implementation of the RCEP next year and welcomes your active participation.

China proposes that the Plus-Three countries jointly deepen third-party investment cooperation in ASEAN, continue to work toward setting up a ChinaJapan-ROK co-investment fund and discuss the building of a China-Japan-ROK Investment Cooperation Partnership in ASEAN, to facilitate regional economic recovery and development. China has officially applied to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). We will continue to expand opening-up and work for an open multilateral trade and investment system in the region.

Third, we need to enhance industrial cooperation in East Asia. Easy crossborder flow of personnel and goods is the cornerstone for keeping industrial and supply chains smooth. China supports extending the ASEAN Travel Corridor Arrangement Framework to all APT countries and better harnessing the existing “fast tracks” and “green lanes”, to facilitate regional economic circulations. We need to implement well the Connecting the Connectivities Initiative, and promote the orderly flow and efficient allocation of such factors as goods, technologies, services and capital across the region. China will host an APT forum for cooperation on industrial and supply chains, support businesses of APT countries in building communication platforms in key fields, and carry out exchanges and cooperation regarding collaboration between upstream and downstream firms and stronger resilience of industrial and supply chains against risks. Taking a long-term view, China is ready to conduct joint research with regional countries to explore ways for greater policy coordination and standard harmonization and coordinated and balanced development of industrial and supply chains, to enhance and elevate the overall competitiveness of the East Asian region.

Fourth, we need to promote the digital economy in East Asia. Digital transformation is becoming a source of impetus for economic development and industrial upgrading. We need to seize this opportunity, tap into the scale of markets, advance cooperation on digital infrastructure building in information communication, cloud computing and data centers, and expand cooperation on digital trade and other new areas. China is ready to help businesses with digital 92 Selected Documentation

capacity building through the APT SME Service Alliance, and will host the APT Young Scientists Forum and other activities to help regional countries bridge the digital divide. China’s Data Security Law and Personal Information Protection Law have officially entered into force. In line with the principle of extensive consultation and shared governance, China will step up exchanges with all parties on cyberspace governance, digital governance and cyber-security, and work toward open, inclusive, safe and shared governance rules.

Fifth, we need to energize financial cooperation. China welcomes the entry into force of the amended Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralization (CMIM) Agreement. We will work with all parties to explore pathways for contributing to the CMIM in local currencies and accelerate the development of innovative tools to meet the needs of member states. China will positively consider making additional financial contributions to the China Technical Assistance Trust Fund under the ASEAN Plus Three Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO). Taking the 10th anniversary of AMRO inception as an opportunity, we may explore expanding the functions of AMRO to further enhance its role in regional economic and financial governance. Meanwhile, we need to intensify AMRO’s coordination with such institutions as the Asian Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Moreover, we need to accelerate innovation on financial cooperation, promote cooperation in green finance, supply chain finance and infrastructure financing, and identify more areas of cooperation.

Sixth, we need to promote green and sustainable growth. We need to take a science-based and practical approach, promote a green and low-carbon transition in energy consumption and way of life and production without compromising energy security, and steer global development toward a new stage of balanced, coordinated and inclusive growth. China proposes setting up an APT low-carbon cooperation partnership to boost cooperation through policy communication, case study and capacity building. China will continue to host the APT Clean Energy Roundtable Dialogue and strengthen clean energy research cooperation and technology transfer in the region. China is ready to share its poverty reduction experience with relevant countries and work for the effective implementation of projects under the East Asian Cooperation Initiative on Poverty Reduction (phase II). Meanwhile, support and input for the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) need to be increased to better protect regional food security. China will continue to import quality agricultural products from Southeast Asian countries. Moreover, an APT ministerial meeting mechanism on disaster management needs to be established as early as possible and exchanges and dialogue on climate change among coastal cities in the region carried out, to enhance preparedness against disasters.

Colleagues, 93 Selected Documentation

China is ready to work with all parties to promote regional economic recovery, foster a strong pillar of growth for the world economy and jointly maintain peace and stability in the region and the world at large.

Thank you.

(J) Speech by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the 16th East Asia Summit Source: https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202110/28/WS617aaccda310cdd 39bc71f07.html Released on: October 28, 2021 Speech by H.E. Li Keqiang Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China At the 16th East Asia Summit Beijing, 27 October 2021 Your Majesty Sultan Hassanal, Colleagues, It gives me great pleasure to have this exchange with you via video link. I wish to begin by thanking His Majesty the Sultan and the Bruneian government for the thoughtful arrangements made for the summit.

As we meet, COVID-19 is still spreading in the world, global trade and investment are slowing, inflation pressure is rising and risks to food and energy security continue to develop. The world economy is confronted with challenges to a sustainable and balanced recovery. As international and regional situations evolve at a faster pace, traditional and non-traditional security threats are increasingly intertwined and global challenges such as climate change have become more pressing. Meanwhile, it is worth noting that the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation is burgeoning and digital transformation in economy and society is accelerating, providing important opportunities for the high-quality development of all countries. As an important engine driving global growth, East Asia must pursue parallel progress in fighting the pandemic and recovering the economy, and inject continued impetus into global development.

Colleagues, As a "leaders-led strategic forum", the East Asia Summit (EAS) has a membership covering major countries in the Asia Pacific and enjoys broadbased representation and influence. The EAS should remain committed to its 94 Selected Documentation

defined role, keep to the right direction of regional cooperation and pursue political and security cooperation and economic and social progress in a balanced way. Mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is a basic norm governing international relations and an important guiding principle of the EAS. Not long ago, President Xi Jinping put forth the Global Development Initiative, which aims to promote robust, green and balanced global development and foster a global community of development with a shared future. Given the current circumstances, it is particularly important that we uphold the spirit of mutual respect and work together in unity to invest more in COVID response and economic recovery, safeguard regional peace and stability, and promote development and prosperity. To this end, China wishes to make the following proposals: First, we need to join hands to fight COVID-19. We need to uphold the spirit of science, follow its laws and deepen cooperation on COVID response. China has provided over 1.58 billion doses of vaccines and concentrates to the international community, including some 460 million doses to ASEAN countries.

China will donate another 100 million doses of vaccines to other developing countries via COVAX. China will do what it can to scale up assistance in vaccines and other anti-COVID supplies in light of the needs of relevant countries, and continue to support ASEAN countries in building regional vaccine production and distribution centers. The implementation of the China-ASEAN Cooperation Program on Public Health Management needs to be expedited to help enhance regional capacity on public health and contribute to the building of a global community of health for all. China supports issuing an EAS Leaders' Statement on Mental Health Cooperation to better protect the mental health and human dignity of each and every individual.

Second, we need to promote all-round economic recovery. We need to uphold free and fair trade, strengthen the capacity for supplying commodities, key spare parts and other important goods, ensure unimpeded international logistics and oppose all forms of trade protectionism. We need to continuously push forward regional economic integration to lend new impetus to economic recovery. As the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) approaches its threshold of coming into force, efforts should be intensified to facilitate its early entry into force and implementation. China has officially applied to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and will further raise the level of its openingup commitments. We need to actively synergize our post-COVID development strategies. China has taken the lead to cooperate with ASEAN in support of its Comprehensive Recovery Framework in an all-round way. China will work with countries in the region to advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, increase the contribution of digital transformation to post-COVID recovery and support regional countries in boosting the recovery of the tourism industry.

95 Selected Documentation

Third, we need to promote green development. As a leading force in global development, East Asia needs to play an active part in the green and low-carbon transition process and promote green recovery of the regional economy in the post-COVID era. We need to follow the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, fully and effectively implement the Paris Agreement and support COP26 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in achieving positive outcomes. China proposes that this meeting release a statement on sustainable recovery, and hopes that the concept of sustainable and green development will be incorporated into the renewed Manila Plan of Action to Advance the Phnom Penh Declaration. We need to pursue a low-carbon transition in a balanced and orderly manner, and realize coordinated advances in economic development and people's well-being while ensuring stability and security in energy supply. China will continue to hold the Clean Energy Forum and the New Energy Forum. Your active participation is most welcome.

Fourth, we need to support ASEAN Centrality. Countries in the region are no stranger to the experience of war and turmoil, poverty and economic depression. For us, promoting peace and development is the call of the times and an unrelenting pursuit. Historical experience shows that an ASEAN-centered, open and inclusive regional cooperation architecture meets the needs of the realities, and the ASEAN Way of consensus building, non-interference in internal affairs and accommodating each other's comfort levels is consistent with East Asian traditions. They are important cornerstones for the region's long-term peace and prosperity. We need to fully support enhancing ASEAN unity, support ASEAN Community building and its efforts in upholding multilateralism, and safeguard the UN-centered international system.

Colleagues, Myanmar is an important participant in East Asian cooperation. China supports ASEAN in properly handling the relevant issues in the ASEAN Way to promote ASEAN unity, regional stability and Myanmar's peace and reconciliation process.

The international community should create a sound external environment for such efforts.

Colleagues, The South China Sea is our common home. Maintaining peace, stability and the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea serves the common interests of all parties. China is the world's largest trader in goods and over 60 percent of its trade in goods goes through the South China Sea. Peace and stability in the South China Sea concerns China's vital interests. Thanks to the joint efforts of China and ASEAN countries, the situation in the South China Sea has maintained overall stability and there has never been a problem with the freedom of navigation and overflight. China and ASEAN countries have 96 Selected Documentation

maintained that the disputes should be peacefully settled, differences managed and joint development advanced, through consultation and negotiation, by the countries directly concerned, and have made positive contributions to peace and stability in the region.

China is committed to the path of peaceful development. As a party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), China has all along worked with ASEAN countries to properly handle the South China Sea issue on the basis of mutual respect in accordance with international law including UNCLOS and in light of the regional realities. In keeping with such a spirit and principles, we successfully signed the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and are fully and effectively implementing the DOC. It is in line with the same spirit and principles that we are actively advancing consultations on a code of conduct (COC) and have agreed to reach early conclusion of an effective, substantive COC consistent with international law including UNCLOS. Despite the impact of COVID-19 in the past year, we have resumed and actively pressed ahead with the COC consultations and reached preliminary agreement on relevant contents. We will resolutely push forward the process. It is hoped that countries from outside the region respect the efforts of regional countries for peace and stability in the South China Sea, refrain from any actions that may aggravate tensions and expand disagreements, and support regional countries in making the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation.

Colleagues, Greater development of East Asia and a better future for the region call for our concerted efforts. China is ready to work with all parties to enhance unity, broaden cooperation, promote common development and achieve prosperity and stability. Together, let us write a new chapter of East Asian cooperation.

Thank you.

November (K) Speech by President Xi Jinping at the ASEAN-China Special Summit to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations Source: https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/zxxx_662805/202111/t202111 22_10451280.html Released on: November 22, 2021

97 Selected Documentation

For a Shared Future and Our Common Home Speech by H.E. Xi Jinping President of the People's Republic of China At the Special Summit to Commemorate The 30th Anniversary of China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations 22 November 2021 Your Majesty Sultan Hassanal of Brunei Darussalam, Dear Colleagues, It gives me great pleasure to meet you virtually to jointly celebrate the 30th anniversary of China-ASEAN dialogue relations, to review what we have accomplished together, summarize past experience and draw up a blueprint for the future.

China-ASEAN dialogue relations have gone through an extraordinary journey over the past three decades. These 30 years have witnessed intensive development of economic globalization and profound changes in the international landscape. These 30 years have also seen China and ASEAN seizing opportunities of the times and achieving leapfrog development in our relations.

We have cast away the shadow of the Cold War and jointly upheld stability in our region. We have spearheaded economic integration in East Asia, promoted common development and prosperity, and delivered better lives to the over two billion people. We have explored a bright path of good-neighborliness and winwin cooperation, taken strides toward building a closer community with a shared future and made important contribution to the cause of human progress.

Today, we jointly announce the establishment of a China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This is a new milestone in the history of our relations and will inject new impetus into peace, stability, prosperity and development of our region and the world.

Colleagues, The gains in China-ASEAN cooperation over the past 30 years are attributable to our unique geographical proximity and cultural affinity and, more importantly, to the fact that we have actively embraced the development trend of our times and made the right historic choice.

First, we have respected each other and acted by the basic norms of international relations. Oriental culture believes in "not doing to others what we do not desire ourselves". Equality and harmonious coexistence are our common pursuit. We were the first to advocate the Five Principles of Peaceful 98 Selected Documentation

Coexistence and the Bandung Spirit. China was the first among ASEAN's dialogue partners to join the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. The two sides have accommodated each other's major concerns, respected each other's development paths, increased understanding and trust through sincere communication, and properly handled disagreements and problems by seeking common ground while shelving differences, thus jointly upholding and promoting Asian values.

Second, we have cooperated for win-win results and followed a path of peaceful development. China and ASEAN countries have similar historical experiences and share the same goal of securing stability for our countries and happiness for our people. We have firmly upheld regional peace and stability, stayed focused on development, taken the lead in establishing free trade areas, promoted high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and jointly concluded and signed the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), thus promoting integrated development of the region and well-being of our people.

Third, we have looked out for each other and honored the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness. China and ASEAN are neighbors, and mutual assistance is our shared tradition. Both Chinese and Bruneian proverbs have expressions of "sharing bliss and misfortune together".

Our exchanges are as frequent as those between relatives. We value friendship and credibility. We rejoice together in good times, and help each other out in hard times. We have stood with each other through the Asian financial crisis, international financial crisis, COVID-19 and other challenges, thus forging a stronger sense of being a community with a shared future.

Fourth, we have upheld inclusiveness and mutual learning and jointly contributed to open regionalism. China and ASEAN are home to diverse ethnicities, cultures and religions. Diversity and inclusiveness are in our DNA. Drawing wisdom from East Asian civilization, we have steered regional economic integration with an open mind, advanced ASEAN-led regional cooperation through equal-footed consultation, and forged friendships that are open, not exclusionary, with an inclusive attitude, thus honoring the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits.

The valuable experience we have gained over the past 30 years is the shared asset of China and ASEAN. It lays the foundation and provides guidelines for developing our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. We need to doubly cherish the experience, uphold it over the long run, and keep enriching and expanding it as we go forward.

Colleagues,

99 Selected Documentation

A Chinese proverb has it that "Distance tests a horse's strength, and time reveals a person's integrity". China was, is, and will always be ASEAN's good neighbor, good friend and good partner. I wish to reaffirm that China will unswervingly take ASEAN as a high priority in its neighborhood diplomacy, unswervingly support ASEAN unity and ASEAN Community building, unswervingly support ASEAN centrality in the regional architecture, and unswervingly support ASEAN in playing a bigger role in regional and international affairs.

Not long ago, the Communist Party of China convened the Sixth Plenary Session of its 19th Central Committee and comprehensively reviewed the major achievements and historical experience of the Party over the past century. Full of confidence, the Chinese people are marching forward on the new journey to build China into a modern socialist country in all respects. China's development will provide more opportunities for and inject strong impetus into the region and the wider world. China stands ready to work with ASEAN to grasp the overriding trend, remove interference, share opportunities and promote shared prosperity. We will implement in earnest our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and make new strides toward building a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future.

Regarding the future relations between China and ASEAN, I wish to make the following five proposals: First, we can build a peaceful home together. Without peace, nothing would be possible. Maintaining peace is our greatest common interest and the most cherished aspiration of people of all countries. We need to serve as the builders and guardians of peace in the region. We need to pursue dialogue instead of confrontation, build partnerships instead of alliances, and make concerted efforts to address the various negative factors that might threaten or undermine peace. We need to practice true multilateralism and stick to the principle that international and regional affairs be handled through discussion among us all.

China firmly opposes hegemonism and power politics. China pursues long-term, friendly coexistence with neighboring countries, and is part of the common efforts for durable peace in the region. China will never seek hegemony, still less bully smaller countries. China supports ASEAN's efforts to build a nuclear weapon-free zone, and is prepared to sign the Protocol to the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone as early as possible.

Second, we can build a safe and secure home together. The COVID-19 pandemic has once again proved that no place on Earth is an insulated island enjoying absolute security, and only universal security brings genuine security.

China is ready to work with ASEAN countries to jointly build a "health shield" for the region. Under this initiative, China is ready to donate an additional 150 million doses of COVID vaccines to ASEAN countries to support higher vaccination rates in countries in the region. China will contribute an additional 100 Selected Documentation

US$5 million to the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund, step up vaccine joint production and technology transfer, and collaborate on research and development of essential medicines, so as to help ASEAN increase self-reliance.

China will support ASEAN in strengthening primary-level public health systems and cultivating human capital for ASEAN to build stronger capacity in response to major public health emergencies. Apart from COVID, our region faces various types of traditional and non-traditional security challenges. In addressing these challenges, it is important to pursue common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and deepen cooperation in areas such as defense, counterterrorism, joint maritime search, rescue and exercise, countering transnational crime, and disaster management. Joint efforts are needed to safeguard stability in the South China Sea and make it a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation.

Third, we can build a prosperous home together. I recently put forth the Global Development Initiative to call for collective efforts of the international community to meet challenges, drive global economic recovery and accelerate implementation of the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This initiative has much to contribute to ASEAN countries' efforts to meet their development needs, and can be mutually reinforcing with ASEAN Community Vision 2025. China is ready to provide ASEAN with another US$1.5 billion of development assistance in the next three years to support ASEAN countries' fight against COVID-19 and economic recovery. China is ready to engage in international development cooperation with ASEAN and launch negotiations on an agreement in this area. We support establishment of a China-ASEAN Knowledge Network for Development. China is also ready to strengthen exchange and cooperation with ASEAN on poverty reduction to promote balanced and inclusive development.

We need to fully harness the role of the RCEP, begin work toward a new round of upgrade of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area at an early date, and enhance the level of trade and investment liberalization and facilitation. We need to expand cooperation in new areas like digital and green economy and build joint demonstration zones for economic innovative development. China has a vast domestic market that will always be open to ASEAN countries. China is ready to import more quality products from ASEAN countries, including buying up to US$150 billion worth of agricultural products from ASEAN in the next five years.

We seek high-quality Belt and Road cooperation with ASEAN and cooperation between the Belt and Road Initiative and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.

China will continue to develop demonstration zones for high-quality Belt and Road international industrial capacity cooperation, and welcomes ASEAN countries' participation in the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor.

China will launch the China-ASEAN Science, Technology and Innovation Enhancing Program, and will provide 1,000 items of advanced and applicable technology to ASEAN and support a program for 300 young scientists from ASEAN to come to China for exchanges in the next five years. We propose a 101 Selected Documentation

China-ASEAN Digital Governance Dialogue to deepen innovative application of digital technology.

Fourth, we can build a beautiful home together. Harmony with Nature is the basis for humanity's sustained development. China is ready to open a dialogue with ASEAN on climate response, increase policy communication and experience sharing, and synergize our plans for sustainable development. We may jointly promote a regional energy transition, discuss establishment of a China-ASEAN clean energy cooperation center, and enhance technology sharing in renewable energies. We may intensify cooperation on green finance and investment to support regional low-carbon and sustainable development. China is ready to launch the Action Plan on China-ASEAN Green Agriculture to make our countries' agricultural sector more resilient and sustainable. We may also energize the China-ASEAN Countries Joint Research and Development Center of Marine Science and Technology, build the Partnership on Blue Economy, and promote marine sustainable development.

Fifth, we can build an amicable home together. We need to advocate peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom, which are common values of humanity, deepen exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations, and fully capitalize on our region's unique strength of cultural diversity. We need to actively consider orderly resumption of flow of people post the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to promote exchanges in areas such as culture, tourism, think tanks, media and women to build better understanding, bring hearts closer together and form one big family between our peoples. The young people represent the future of China and ASEAN. China will enhance cooperation with ASEAN in vocational education and mutual recognition of diplomas, increase the number of recipients of China-ASEAN Young Leaders Scholarship, and organize events like youth camps. Next year, China will host the Beijing Winter Olympics and the Hangzhou Asian Games, which offer good opportunities for deepening sports exchanges and cooperation between China and ASEAN countries.

Colleagues, As an ancient Chinese statesman observed, "Designs for justice prevail, and acts for people's benefit succeed." Let us keep close to our hearts people's aspiration for a better life, and put on our shoulders the mission of our times to safeguard peace and promote development. Let us work hand in hand to build on what has been achieved and work toward a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future, and make our region and the world even more prosperous and beautiful.

102 Selected Documentation

(L) The Joint Statement of the ASEAN-China Special Summit to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations Source: https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/zxxx_662805/202111/t202111 22_10451478.html Released on: November 22, 2021 JOINT STATEMENT OF THE ASEAN-CHINA SPECIAL SUMMIT TO COMMEMORATE THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF ASEAN-CHINA DIALOGUE RELATIONS: COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP FOR PEACE, SECURITY, PROSPERITY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT We, the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the People’s Republic of China, gathered at the ASEAN-China Special Summit to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations on 22 November 2021. The Summit was co-chaired by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and His Excellency Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China; RECALLING with satisfaction the remarkable achievements attained since the establishment of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations in 1991; RECOGNISING ASEAN-China relations are among the most dynamic, substantive, and mutually beneficial partnerships between ASEAN and its dialogue partners, which has become a good example of regional cooperation and contributes significantly to peace, stability, development and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region; RECOGNISING that, as close neighbours, ASEAN-China relations over the past 30 years have significantly grown and matured in tandem with both sides’ development; WELCOMING the meaningful commemorative activities held by the two sides to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations; REAFFIRMING the important documents that lay the groundwork and chart the course for cooperation between the two sides including the Joint Statement of the Meeting of Heads of State/Government of the Member States of ASEAN and the President of the People’s Republic of China in 1997, the Joint Declaration on ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity signed in 2003, and the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership Vision 2030 in 2018; FURTHER REAFFIRMING the principles, shared values and norms enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity 103 Selected Documentation

and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the East Asia Summit (EAS) Declaration on the Principles for Mutually Beneficial Relations (Bali Principles) as well as universally recognised principles of international law; RECOGNISING ASEAN’s leading role in the shaping of the regional economic and security architecture, by promoting close cooperation through ASEAN-led mechanisms, under the principles reflected in the ASEAN Charter, the TAC, and the Bali Principles; REAFFIRMING the principles of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), while recognising that it is ASEAN’s independent initiative, being open and inclusive, is intended to enhance ASEAN’s Community building process, and is not aimed at creating new mechanisms or replacing existing ones; APPRECIATING that ASEAN and China have mutually supported and closely collaborated on COVID-19 response, and that ASEAN-China cooperation continues to progress despite the challenges of the pandemic, highlighting ASEAN and China's friendship and solidarity as well as the resilience and potential of the Strategic Partnership; EMPHASISING the shared resolve to further strengthen mutual support, assistance, and cooperation in view of the daunting task of economic recovery and long-term resilient development facing all countries as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global challenges; ACKNOWLEDGING Leaders’ statements and visions of ASEAN Member States and China at the 76th United Nations (UN) General Assembly in support of the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development, including ASEAN’s efforts to promote complementarities between the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the UN 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development and China's proposed Global Development Initiative; and REAFFIRMING the Leaders’ consensus to advance the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership to new heights by forging closer cooperation for a mutually beneficial future of ASEAN and China in important documents such as the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership Vision 2030, and by the full and effective implementation of the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity (2021 – 2025); ASEAN acknowledges China's active efforts to promote closer ASEAN-China cooperation, including China's vision to build a closer ASEAN-China community with a shared future; Hereby agree on the following:

104 Selected Documentation

Overall ASEAN-China Relations 1． Advance ASEAN-China cooperation in all fields which contributes to the building of an open, inclusive and sustainable region that enjoys peace, security, prosperity and sustainable development, jointly announce the establishment of an ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that is meaningful, substantive and mutually beneficial and task our officials to follow up on its implementation; 2． Reaffirm the importance of maintaining ASEAN Centrality in the evolving regional architecture, and support for ASEAN integration and Community building, and ASEAN’s efforts to realise the ASEAN Community Vision 2025; 3． Advance cooperation in the relevant areas identified in the AOIP to develop enhanced strategic trust and win-win cooperation among countries in the region, as guided by the purposes and principles of the TAC, including exploring mutually beneficial cooperation with the Belt and Road Initiative; 4． Enhance ASEAN-China cooperation in the post-pandemic era for mutual benefits and long-term sustainable development, including through support for the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF); 5． Advance comprehensive collaboration and enhance mutual trust, deepen political and security cooperation including through ASEAN-led dialogue platforms and mechanisms to maintain peace and stability in the region; promote comprehensive and active economic relations in trade and investment as well as development, and strengthen regional supply chains; foster diversified social, cultural and people-to-people cooperation in all fields; and promote regional and international cooperation; 6． Continue to explore ways to strengthen technical cooperation between ASEAN and China in areas aligned with the needs and priorities of ASEAN and its Member States, including through the launch of negotiations on an agreement on technical cooperation between ASEAN and China; Political-Security Cooperation 7． Reaffirm our mutual respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, in accordance with international law and the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, and reaffirming ASEAN countries’ adherence to one-China policy;

105 Selected Documentation

8． Maintain frequent high-level exchanges and policy communication, promote bilateral and multilateral dialogue and exchanges at all levels, and increase sharing of experience on governance to deepen mutual trust; 9． Enhance dialogue and coordination in ASEAN-led frameworks including ASEAN Plus Three (APT), East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus); 10． Strengthen defence exchanges and security cooperation through existing frameworks and mechanisms such as the ADMM-Plus, and the ARF. Continue to implement the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the Field of Non-traditional Security Issues and its action plan, and jointly address non-traditional security threats and challenges including terrorism and transnational crimes; 11． Support ASEAN’s efforts to preserve Southeast Asia as a region free from nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, while contributing to global efforts on disarmament, non-proliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear energy, in line with the purposes and principles of the ASEAN Charter, the TAC as well as in the Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality Declaration (ZOPFAN), and the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ); 12． Reaffirm the importance of upholding international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and continue to promote maritime security and safety, enhance mutual trust and confidence, and maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea. Reaffirm our commitment to the freedom of navigation in and overflight above the South China Sea, to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability, and to have Parties concerned undertake to resolve territorial and jurisdictional disputes by peaceful means, without resorting to the threat or use of force, through friendly consultations and negotiations by sovereign states directly concerned, in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS. Remain committed to meeting the aspirations of the Declaration for a Decade of Coastal and Marine Environmental Protection in the South China Sea (2017-2027); 13． Further reaffirm our commitment to fully and effectively implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety, and emphasise the need to maintain and promote an environment conducive to the negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC), and look forward to the early conclusion of an effective and substantive COC that is in accordance with international law including the 1982 UNCLOS, within a mutually-agreed timeline; 106 Selected Documentation

Economic Cooperation 14． Reaffirm our commitment to the open, free, inclusive, transparent, and non-discriminatory rules-based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) at its core, and our readiness to make economic globalisation more open, inclusive, balanced, and beneficial to all; 15． Welcome the entry into force of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement on 1 January 2022. Work together for the effective implementation of the RCEP Agreement, to deliver benefits to businesses and people in the region. Efforts will be made to effectively implement the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA), and the remaining elements in the Future Work Program under the ACFTA Upgrading Protocol and to also expeditiously conduct a Joint Feasibility Study to identify other areas for possible inclusion in further enhancing the ACFTA, including by creating more trade opportunities in digital economy and fostering new sources of growth for cooperation, working towards a more inclusive, modern, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial ASEAN-China Free Trade Area; 16． Step up the implementation of the ASEAN-China Joint Statement on Synergising the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in carrying out mutually beneficial and high-quality cooperation, and encourage support from financial institutions, including the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, where relevant, to achieve the goal of high-standard, people-oriented, people-centred, and sustainable development; 17． Explore synergies between the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 and the Initiative on Building ASEAN-China Partnership on Digital Economy and its Action Plan and enhance cooperation in digital economy, smart city development, artificial intelligence, e-commerce, big data, 5G use cases, digital transformation, and cyber and data security as we embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR); 18． Build a closer partnership in science, technology and innovation, including through jointly formulating and implementing the ASEAN-China Plan of Action on a Closer Partnership of Science, Technology and Innovation for Future (20212025) to connect our strategies of innovative development and foster new impetus for cooperation; 19． Explore cooperation on low-carbon, circular and green economy by following the trend of the latest science and technology developments and industrial transformation, including through sustainable economic models and initiatives as inspired by regional and national action plans such as the Belt and 107 Selected Documentation

Road Partnership on Green Development and the Bio, Circular and Green Economy; 20． Enhance cooperation to pursue innovative, coordinated, open, inclusive and sustainable development that puts people at the centre; 21． Promote cooperation on new energy technologies, green investment and finance, and other fields, and work for the restructuring and upgrading of economy, energy systems and industry to realise sustainable green growth and low-carbon development; 22． Continue to encourage partnership on blue economy between ASEAN and China and promote marine ecosystem conservation and sustainable use of the ocean, seas and marine resources; 23． Continue to enhance cooperation under the frameworks of ASEAN-China Customs Directors-General Consultation, and ASEAN-China Ministerial Meeting on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Cooperation, through the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Governments of the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on Strengthening SPS Cooperation; Social-Cultural Cooperation 24． Strengthen cooperation on public health including cooperation on COVID19 vaccines and support ASEAN’s efforts towards vaccine security and selfreliance for all through timely equitable access to affordable and quality vaccines in the region; implement in earnest the ASEAN-China Memorandum of Understanding on Health Cooperation and the ASEAN-China Public Health Cooperation Initiative: Program on Public Health Emergency Preparedness Capacity (PROMPT) to enhance institutional capacity building to better cope with challenges from future public health emergencies, and promote health for all; 25． Continue to support the implementation of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Work Plan IV (2021–2025), and welcome the strengthening of cooperation within the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC), the BIMP-EAGAChina Cooperation (BECC) and other relevant sub-regional frameworks and mechanisms to narrow the development gap in ASEAN; 26． Strengthen cooperation on climate change, biodiversity conservation, environmental protection, low-carbon solutions, clean energy, sustainable cities and rural development, and support the implementation of the Framework of ASEAN-China Environmental Cooperation Strategy and Action Plan (2021108 Selected Documentation

2025) to promote green and sustainable recovery and high-quality development in the region; 27． Enhance and promote cooperation on disaster prevention, mitigation and relief through the ASEAN-China Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management (AMMDM Plus China), and improve capacity building and disaster response coordination in the region; 28． Continue to enhance cooperation on education, including the early resumption of entry into China by international students from ASEAN Member States in a healthy, safe, and orderly way, as well as on culture, tourism, media, human resources and exchanges among the youth, think-tanks and local governments including through the positive role the ASEAN-China Centre has played in promoting socio-cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two sides over the past decade since its establishment; 29． Explore the use of the ASEAN-China Cooperation Fund (ACCF) and other funding sources to further develop more flagship projects for people-to-people exchanges including the ASEAN-China Young Leaders’ Scholarship (ACYLS) to forge affinities among the people; Regional and International Cooperation 30． Reaffirm the commitment to multilateralism, maintain an open and inclusive regional cooperation framework, support ASEAN Centrality in the evolving regional architecture, and realise an international system, founded on the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and based on international law, and the principles of inclusivity, transparency, fairness and justice, openness, mutual benefit and mutual respect in jointly responding to regional and global challenges; and 31． Continue to strengthen communication and cooperation on international and regional affairs, especially on issues of common interest such as climate change, public health, biodiversity conservation, and food and energy security; reaffirm China’s support to ASEAN in playing a bigger role in the United Nations, G20, and Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

December (M) Full text of President Xi Jinping’s 2022 New Year speech Source: https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/zxxx_662805/202112/t202112 31_10478096.html Released on: December 31, 2021 109 Selected Documentation

2022 New Year address by President Xi Jinping My greetings to you all. The year 2022 is approaching. From Beijing, I extend New Year wishes to all of you!

The past year has been a year of exceptional significance. We have lived through landmark events in the history of our Party and our country. At the historical convergence of the Two Centenary Goals, we have set out on a new journey of building a modern socialist country in all respects and are making confident strides on the path toward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

From the beginning to the end of the year, the Chinese people have been hard at work in the fields, enterprises, communities, schools, hospitals, barracks and research institutes, among other places. Throughout the year, we have put in our efforts, contributed our part, and received much in return. In the passage of time, we have seen and experienced a resilient and dynamic China, a country with its amicable and respectable people, a country developing rapidly with each passing day, and a country making continual progress in all its undertakings.

On July 1, we solemnly celebrated the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Standing on the Tian'anmen Rostrum, one could only marvel at the extraordinary journey traveled by this major Party, a journey of Chinese Communists leading the Chinese people, in their hundreds of millions, in an unyielding struggle against all obstacles and challenges, and scoring spectacular, epoch-making achievements over the past century. To accomplish our great mission, we must always remain true to our original aspiration. Only through vigorous and determined endeavor can we fulfill our responsibility to history, prove worthy of our times and live up to people's expectations.

The sixth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee has adopted the Party's third resolution on historical issues. The CPC's 100-year achievements provide a source of motivation and its 100-year experience a wellspring of inspiration. I have referred to Chairman Mao's conversation with Mr. Huang Yanpei at his cave-dwelling in Yan'an, and the importance of carrying out bold self-revolution so as to gain the historical initiative. To realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation will be no easy task like a walk in the park; it will not happen overnight, or through sheer fanfare. We must always keep a long-term perspective, remain mindful of potential risks, maintain strategic focus and determination, and "attain to the broad and great while addressing the delicate and minute".

110 Selected Documentation

Our country, big as it is, also has its list of priorities. The myriad of things we attend to all boil down to matters concerning every household. Through my field trips to different places, I have seen and heard a lot of things which I find very inspiring and rewarding. Every time I visit people in their homes, I would ask if they have any more difficulties, and I would remember everything my folks have to share with me.

The concerns of the people are what I always care about, and the aspirations of the people are what I always strive for. Having worked in the countryside myself, I know precisely what poverty feels like. Thanks to the sustained efforts of the Chinese people from generation to generation, those who once lived in poverty no longer have to worry about food or clothing, or access to education, housing and medical insurance. Realization of a moderately prosperous society in all respects and elimination of extreme poverty is what the CPC has delivered to our people, and it is also a contribution to the world. To ensure that everyone leads a better life, we must never rest on what we have achieved, and there is still a long way to go.

A Yellow River well harnessed is a millennia-long aspiration of the Chinese people. Over the past few years, I have visited all nine provinces or autonomous regions on the upper, middle and lower streams of the Yellow River. From the Yellow River and the Yangtze River, two "mother rivers" of the Chinese nation, to the limpid Qinghai Lake and the mighty Yarlung Zangbo River; from the SouthNorth Water Diversion, known as a project of the century, to the Saihanba forest, shown as a patch of green on the map; from the northward trek and homecoming of elephants in Yunnan Province, to the migration and return of Tibetan antelopes -- all these remind us that "If we do not fail Nature, Nature shall never fail us".

This year has also recorded many memorable Chinese voices, Chinese moments and Chinese stories: youthful vows of "pledging to the Party to make my country strong"; affectionate expression of "pure, true love saved for the motherland"; the Zhurong rover probing Mars, the Xihe satellite chasing the sun, and the Tianhe space station core module traveling among the stars; athletes outdoing themselves to excel on the sports field; the whole nation staying united in solid COVID-19 response; people in disaster-stricken areas standing together to rebuild their homes; members of the People's Liberation Army and Armed Police devoted to building a strong military and protecting our country. The hard work and dedication of countless unsung heroes have all added to the great momentum of China's march forward in the new era.

The prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao is always close to the heart of the motherland. Only with unity and concerted efforts can we ensure sound implementation of One Country, Two Systems in the long run. The complete reunification of our motherland is an aspiration shared by people on both sides 111 Selected Documentation

of the Taiwan Strait. I sincerely hope that all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation will join forces to create a brighter future for our nation.

In my phone calls and virtual meetings with foreign leaders and heads of international organizations, I have heard many times plaudits for China's fight against COVID-19 and contribution to the global COVID response. To date, China has provided two billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines to more than 120 countries and international organizations. Only through unity, solidarity and cooperation can countries around the world write a new chapter in building a community with a shared future for mankind.

In just over a month, the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will open. Greater public involvement in winter sports also contributes to the Olympic Movement. We will spare no effort to present a great Games to the world. The world is turning its eyes to China, and China is ready.

The bell is about to ring for the New Year. As we speak, three Chinese astronauts are on duty in outer space; our fellow compatriots overseas are still working very hard; our people posted to diplomatic missions and businesses abroad as well as overseas Chinese students are bravely holding on; and our numerous dream-chasers are keeping up their good work. I salute all your great efforts, and extend to you best wishes for the New Year.

Let us all work together for a shared future. May our country enjoy prosperity and our people live in peace and harmony!

112 Selected Documentation

Part III Selected Analysis

(III) Selected Analysis (July-December 2021) Foreign Affairs (A) China, ASEAN face multiple opportunities in blue economic partnership On November 14, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with diplomatic envoys of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries in Beijing. Noting that next year marks the 20th anniversary of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), Wang Yi expressed hope that the two sides will take this opportunity to advance consultations on COC in the South China Sea based on the comprehensive and effective implementation of the DOC, jointly uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea, and seek win-win cooperation.

Oceans are an internal and essential component of the ecosystem for international society, including both China and ASEAN states. In fact, 67% of the world's population live within 400 kilometers from the coast, and 61% of global GDP comes from the ocean and coastal areas within 100 kilometers of the coastline. The annual gross marine product of the oceans totals US$2.5 trillion per year, making it the eighth largest economy of the world. Before the COVID19 pandemic, the ocean economy contributed over 31 million direct full-time jobs.

The "Blue economy" has become a popular term for this emerging focus on coasts and oceans as a sustainable driver of economic growth. While the concept of blue economy has been around for many years, no shared definition yet exists.

At present, several organizations and governments are developing their own understanding of what this means.

The coastal and marine environment in Southeast Asia is one of the richest areas in the world. The region is home to over one third of all coral reefs and mangroves, and hosts the highest levels of biodiversity for fish and sea grass species. This ecological abundance provides the foundation for economic development.

The annual economic benefit per square kilometer of healthy coral reef in Southeast Asia ranges from US$23,100 - US$270,000. East Asia is the top region globally for seafood exports. It sees China, Thailand, and Vietnam as the 3 leading seafood exporting countries. Marine and coastal industries such as ports and

115 Selected Analysis

shipping, fishing and coastal tourism comprise roughly 15 to 20 percent of the GDP in some countries.

At present, China and ASEAN countries are moving forward on the road of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and promoting economic recovery. But what cannot be ignored is this fact: Southeast Asia is also facing a complex and unique international political ecology.

On one hand, economic cooperation between countries in the region is strong.

But at the same time, traditional security issues in this region have long existed.

The strategic game among major powers has become increasingly fierce.

The supply of international public goods such as marine environmental protection, conservation of biological resources, safety of maritime routes, maritime search and rescue is difficult for the growing needs of regional countries.

The more complex the situation, the more regional countries should maintain the momentum of maritime cooperation. This past October, the ASEAN Summit adopted the ASEAN Leaders' Declaration on the Blue Economy. This demonstrates ASEAN's great confidence and determination in promoting the sustainable development of the marine economy and deepening international cooperation. At the 24th China-ASEAN Summit, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang also said that China hopes to work with ASEAN to speed up the building of the Partnership on Blue Economy.

The establishment of the China-ASEAN partnership on blue economy is one of the important goals set in the China-ASEAN Strategic Partnership Vision 2030.

It is timely to launch cooperation on the blue economy, because this meets the development needs of countries and the region after COVID-19. It is conducive to enhancing the vitality and resilience of sustainable development and promoting economic recovery and improvement of people's livelihood.

China and ASEAN are facing multiple opportunities in developing the blue economic partnership. The concept of sustainable ocean development has had a wide-ranging impact on regional countries. Deepening cooperation in regional ocean governance has become a consensus among regional countries. Many achievements have been made in maritime economic cooperation between China and ASEAN countries. In this light, the foundation for the establishment of a blue economic partnership between the two parties has become increasingly solid.

Trade volume between China and ASEAN has jumped from less than 8 billion US dollars to 684.6 billion US dollars, an increase of more than 80 times. In the first quarter of 2021, ASEAN continued to maintain its position as China's largest 116 Selected Analysis

trading partner, with a year-on-year increase of 26.1%. Among them, the marine economy plays an important role.

The entry into force of RCEP also provides a more comprehensive system to guarantee the sustainable development of the blue economic cooperation between the two parties. The role of RCEP in promoting the China-ASEAN Blue Partnership will become more apparent in the next few years.

The development of science and technology has created favorable conditions for the two parties to establish a blue economic partnership. China has rich experience in port construction, port management, shipping and logistics, fisheries, aquaculture, and marine renewable energy, which can be shared with ASEAN countries.

Fishery cooperation is an important part of the China-ASEAN Blue Economic Partnership. The cooperation between China and ASEAN countries in regards to fishing, aquatic product technology exchanges and seafood trade has been continuously strengthened.

In 2019, the total aquatic product trade between China and ASEAN reached US$3.649 billion. Among them, China imported 1.553 billion US dollars worth of aquatic products from ASEAN, and in kind exported 2.096 billion US dollars of aquatic products to ASEAN. Over the years, China has helped ASEAN countries train many fisheries management and technical personnel, improved their capabilities, and promoted practical cooperation in marine aquaculture.

In the future, China and ASEAN can start from several aspects to deepen fishery cooperation under the framework of the Blue Economic Partnership. The first major move will be to make an institutional design for the development and protection of fishery resources in the COC consultation. We must consider the timetable and roadmap for fishery cooperation mechanism of the South China Sea. The second is to improve the multi-level fishery cooperation mechanism between China and ASEAN countries. This includes the fishery resource survey, information sharing between the fishery governance departments, and the programmatic cooperation between scientific research institutes.

The third is to strengthen policy exchanges and coordination between China the ASEAN countries under the multilateral framework of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Asia-Pacific Fisheries Commission (CAPIFC), and the Asia-Pacific Aquaculture Center (NACA).

Last but not the least, there is an aim to improve the ties between the fishery industry associations of China and ASEAN countries, and to improve the market 117 Selected Analysis

service mechanism for fishery enterprises. We will also accelerate the construction of international fishery industry cooperation parks in ASEAN countries.

Written by: Ding Duo Source: Global Times Published: 16 November 2021 The author is deputy director and associate research fellow of the Research Center for Ocean Law and Policy at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies.

(B) Smooth sailing for China and ASEAN despite interference of extraterritorial actors Upon the ASEAN-China Special Summit to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations, it is worth recalling the achievements of bilateral cooperation in the maritime field.

First, the multi-layered maritime cooperation mechanism is becoming complete.

The signing of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea in 2002 and the establishment of the China-ASEAN Maritime Cooperation Fund are two landmark bilateral maritime cooperation feats. They advanced the build-up of the multi-layered and multifaceted maritime cooperation mechanism. Notably, the Senior Officials' Meeting and the Joint Working Group Meeting were established to implement the declaration.

Second, maritime economic cooperation, represented by fisheries and tourism, has developed rapidly.

Maritime economic cooperation between China and ASEAN has expanded from traditional industries such as fisheries and shipments to new ones, including tourism, technology and higher education. As China and ASEAN countries adjust their own maritime strategies, they actively pushed forward setting up the free trade area and signed the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

Initiatives proposed by China, such as 21st century maritime Silk Road and the Pan-Beibu Gulf Economic Cooperation, provided continuous mechanic driving force for bilateral maritime economic cooperation.

Third, abundant results have been achieved in terms of non-traditional security cooperation.

China and ASEAN have built up a non-traditional maritime cooperation network in areas such as environmental protection, disaster relief, sea lane security, transnational crime crackdown and maritime law enforcement. For instance, 118 Selected Analysis

under the framework of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia, China and ASEAN have effectively pushed forward cooperation to combat piracy and armed robbery, providing lane security in the South China Sea. Fourth, breakthroughs have been made in maritime security and defense cooperation.

As a sensitive area of bilateral maritime cooperation, security and defense cooperation has made breakthroughs in recent years. In October 2017, China and ASEAN reached an agreement on conducting joint maritime exercises. In August and October 2018, China and ASEAN held tabletop exercise in Singapore and joint maritime exercise in the northern waters of the South China Sea respectively. These exercises carry particular significance to boost security cooperation and bilateral relations between China and ASEAN. Fifth, the control over maritime disputes has been effective.

A biggest obstacle to China-ASEAN maritime cooperation is the dispute over territorial sovereignty and maritime interests. To handle the disputes, China and ASEAN countries have conducted fruitful communication and consultations.

This includes the signing of the DOC in 2002, the agreement of the guideline to implement the DOC in 2011, and starting the consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea in 2013. These efforts have played a positive role in managing differences, maintaining maritime peace and stability, and promoting maritime cooperation.

However, the interaction between China and ASEAN countries over maritime issues also faces many challenges.

First, some ASEAN countries are still wary of China's policies and claims in the South China Sea and the theory of "China's maritime expansionism" is still attractive to some forces in the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Second, the US and its allies see the Southeast Asia as an important place to compete for geopolitical power. They constantly interfere in exchanges and cooperation between China and ASEAN countries, using the South China Sea as a key leverage. The involvement of extraterritorial countries has been another negative factor for China and regional countries to enhance maritime cooperation.

Third, the over exploitation of marine resources has restricted regional economic collaboration. Due to the competition for fisheries and marine oil and gas resources, some neighboring countries have adopted predatory and 119 Selected Analysis

exclusive development policies, which hindered the transformation of marine industrial chains.

Therefore, China and ASEAN countries need to properly handle the maritime disputes and effectively address the interference of extraterritorial actors. Both sides should draw lessons from history to build up high-quality regional maritime relations, and be guided by the construction of a maritime community with a shared future.

First, China and ASEAN should put effort on building a blue economy partnership and promote high-quality transformation of regional maritime industrial economy, through innovation in technology and regional cooperative mechanism.

Second, both sides should develop new concepts of maritime security, maintaining the peace and stability in the South China Sea. In the past decades, tensions in this region have continued to escalate due to the US-led major power competition. China and ASEAN could build a new pattern of promoting common security through a long-term dialogue mechanism.

Third, China and ASEAN countries are responsible for regional maritime governance cooperation, and should formulate a response plan for the challenges including plastic waste and resource degradation.

To conclude, as neighbors in this region, the interests of China and ASEAN countries could only be maximized by cooperation and reaching common prosperity in the South China Sea. Written by: Chen Pingping Source: Global Times Published: 22 November 2021 The author is director of Division of International Exchanges, National Institute for South China Sea Studies.

Political Affairs (C) US urges Asean to stand up to China US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has made it clear the US would like to see Asean stand up to China without choosing sides. At the same time, the US will engage with China in areas of common interests while is ready to stand up against the Middle Kingdom without flinching if its interests are threatened.

120 Selected Analysis

The Biden administration believes these objectives can be achieved through integrated deterrence, which requires allies and friends to join together using existing capabilities and deploying them all in new and networked ways such as in information and cyber domains to create stronger deterrence.

Mr Austin's speech at the 40th Fullerton Lecture in Singapore last week was well-crafted to assure Southeast Asian countries that the US will stay engaged with them, despite some past inertia. In other words, he said all the right things which the region wants to hear such as vaccine engagement without any conditions, working closely with allies and friends, and offering encouragement to end the violence in Myanmar, among others.

Under Mr Biden, alliances and friends are important partners to help Washington's fulfil its long-term strategies. As such, the speech was neither too hard nor too soft on arch rival China, showing much-needed sensitivity over how the region might react or feel about the roles played by the US and China. But he did mention the South China Sea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Xinjiang.

Mr Austin knows well that addressing the US role in this part of the world is not easy as China's rising power looms large in the background. Any US statements that are critical of China would be treated with scepticism due to existing divergent viewpoints and threat perceptions. In retrospect, numerous speeches by senior US officials in the Trump administration, which constantly demonised China and its political system, received scant attention from regional leaders.

After all, Asean leaders know China better given their geographical proximity and shared Asian values.

It was refreshing, nevertheless, to hear a humble American voice through Mr Austin saying that the US does not always get it right. The beauty, he added, was that the US system can rectify its mistakes "in loud and living colour". This kind of humility will certainly help the Biden administration pursue its foreign policy objectives in the region.

From his speech, Washington is paying great attention to three Southeast Asian countries -- Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines -- that are comfortable about working with its broader security schemes. More than the US would like to admit, the trio could become active partners in promoting its strategic interests in this region in the years to come, in particular through the Quad arrangement.

Other Asean countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand are also important allies and friends but they have softer approaches towards China. No surprise then that Vice President Kamala Harris is visiting Singapore and Vietnam next month to further strengthen bilateral ties. This Asean-specific strategy focusing on valued-added members could yield a negative impact and divide Asean in the long run.

121 Selected Analysis

The possibility of Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines working individually for the Quad cannot be ignored. Their security and threat perceptions are closely identified with those of the US. At its 54th annual conference this week, the Asean foreign ministers will discuss how to operationalise the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AIOP) to ensure that it remains the principal framework of regional architecture.

Indonesia was quick to introduce this agenda at the recent Asean senior official meeting. For the past two years during the Covid-19 pandemic, the AOIP has been stalled. Currently, with numerous frameworks on the Indo-Pacific in contestation, Asean must quickly rein in the AOIP otherwise all the momentum will be lost and its framework could be supplanted. Only through concrete joint projects under the guidelines of the AIOP can Asean centrality be guaranteed.

It is difficult to predict if any individual Asean members would be willing to give up strategic assets for the Quad. With the US pushing for access to and closer cooperation with perceived allies and friends throughout the world, this could have unintended consequences on Asean as a whole sooner or later. An Asean member deciding to associate with the Quad in whatever formula will immediately weaken the Asean-led regional architecture.

Mr Austin's trip did not include Thailand, the so-called "great and good friend" of the US, even though the country is one of the five allies in the Indo-Pacific.

Obviously, the US Defense Department had to pick the most important US allies and friends in the region for Mr Austin's itinerary due to time constraints. But it showed Washington's real intention that the Land of Smiles is off the radar. The verdict was earlier embedded in the Interim National Security Strategic Guidelines issued in March as it just did not mention Thailand.

From Washington's perspective, Thailand is moving closer to China these days.

At the same time, the view from here is moving in a similar direction, that with more alternative strategic partners, the US does not value the kingdom as an ally and its current political system as enthusiastically as before. Over time, these perceptions could widen to the point of no return and render deadly repercussions to the 200-plus years of bilateral ties.

One barometer that shows the Thai-US alliance is not dead yet is the 40-year-old Cobra Gold joint military exercises. The region's biggest multinational military drills will become less and less significant if the US-China rivalry continues to grow. So will US suspicion and anxiety about Thailand's position and posture.

When relations were more stable, Thailand had more room to manoeuvre in balancing delicate US-China ties. As a co-host of Cobra Gold, Thailand was instrumental in inviting China to take part in limited cooperation in the humanitarian field in 2014. But the future of China's participation is uncertain.

122 Selected Analysis

During the Covid-19 crisis, the upcoming Cobra Gold exercise, which is scheduled to be held from Aug 3-15, will be scaled back by a significant margin.

Only 600 US troops will join around 2,000 Thai soldiers in the exercises. Major highlights and activities such as live fire, amphibious assaults and field training have been cancelled. Table-top control and command exercises and civic activities engaging local people in selected areas will remain.

Quite a few Thai military leaders are concerned that if the pandemic continues unabated, the downsizing of Cobra Gold is likely to continue to be used as justification for smaller exercises in coming years. Meanwhile, the US is contemplating boosting other joint military exercises elsewhere, especially Garuda Shield, the joint military drills with Indonesia. More than 2,000 American soldiers are taking part in the exercise in mid-August.

On Asean, Mr Austin delivered a clear message of the importance of Asean in playing the leading role in tackling major regional issues including the Myanmar quagmire. That much was clear. He did not mention Asean centrality in his speech. Instead, he preferred the phrase "the central role of Asean" which was frequently used by US diplomats in the pre-2016 period to describe Asean. It was former President Barrack Obama, who first mentioned Asean centrality at the special Asean-US summit in Sunnylands, California in February 2016, which was considered the height of Asean-US relations. Indeed, Mr Austin was focusing on the future influence of the Quad on the regional architecture.

How the Biden administration will end up engaging the region remains to be seen as there are many grey zones that the US has to deal with regarding Asean.

But Mr Austin's visit has already provided a first glimpse of how the US will engage with its real or virtual allies and friends.

Written by: Kavi Chongkittavorn Source: Bangkok Post Published: 3 August 2021 The author is a veteran journalist on regional affairs.

(D) 54 years on, Asean needs new modality After 54 years of being together, Asean is at the end of its tether. It has never been more divided than now, split within member states and across all 10 of them, dominated once again by divisive superpower rivalry and competition. In practice, this means Asean will appear increasingly ineffectual and inert. There will be much bureaucratic motion but few substantive organisational and policy outcomes amid unresolved challenges from within and from outside the region.

Asean's best way forward may require unprecedented radical thinking towards 123 Selected Analysis

a multi-track organisation to ensure relevance and momentum where it can be generated.

For roughly the first 25 years of its regional life in international affairs, Asean as we know it was together and divided at the same time. The five original founding members -- Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand -were an amalgam but the rest of Southeast Asia was not included at the time.

Thanks in part to the camaraderie of their leaders, the five founding members stuck together and got a lot done by carving out regional autonomy for individual national development during the Cold War in the face of the superpower showdown between the United States and the Soviet Union and their opposing systems of Western capitalist development and communist central planning.

After the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet system in 1989-91, Asean began the process of becoming a full-fledged regional organisation. As then-Indochina's multiple wars finally came to an end -- from north to south Vietnam and communist victory in Laos to the Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia -- Asean kind of won its own Cold War in its own right. By 1992, Asean was at a crossroads, having inducted the tiny Brunei sultanate as its sixth member in 1984. It was inevitable that Asean was to encompass the whole of Southeast Asia.

The membership expansion to include Vietnam in 1995, Laos and Myanmar in 1997, and Cambodia in 1999 -- these four were known as the CLMV -- rode on the back of regional exuberance. It was a time of breakneck economic growth and development in the original five founding countries. There was no superpower rivalry as such in the 1990s. Political instability in some of the member states was par for the course but incumbent centres of power more or less held sway across the region.

In the 1990s, Asean was able to leverage its economic dynamism, enlarged regional size, and political continuity to situate itself in the driver's seat of regionalism and regionalisation vehicles, giving rise to "Asean centrality" for regional action towards peace and prosperity. As the bigger powers outside Southeast Asia had no such means to promote regional cooperation and resolve tension and conflict, they deferred to and joined Asean's regional platforms, building on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation with the Asean Regional Forum, Asean Plus Three, and later the East Asia Summit and Asean Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus.

These enabling conditions for Asean centrality have changed. Superpower conflict is back, this time between the US and China. For Asean to thrive as it used to, the major powers must be on sufficient par and at sufficient rest. If the superpowers go at each other -- as the US and Soviet Union demonstrated -124 Selected Analysis

Southeast Asia will come under pressure to choose sides. The US and China say they don't want Asean states to choose sides but in fact they have. Cambodia has evidently chosen China, and Vietnam is siding with the US. Other Asean members have their variable leanings depending on issues and interests. Thailand is a US treaty ally that acts like a partner, while Vietnam is a US partner which offers alliance functions.

Apart from superpower conflict, the second condition also has changed.

Domestic politics in most Asean countries is under pressure from below. Elites in states that can adapt, absorb and answer pressure for change and reform to keep their populations on board have a better chance of moving forward by making concessions and self-corrections. Singapore fits this category the most.

Incumbent centres of power that suppress without reform in Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and Cambodia will have a hard time with popular suffering.

Indonesia and the Philippines appear to have electoral systems that can allow pressure to be released and measured reforms undertaken but they need to avoid elite entrenchment and enable new political forces to contest for office.

Finally, Asean's vaunted prosperity and development potential are now problematic. The coronavirus pandemic has ravaged Southeast Asia, eroding its growth locomotives. Tourism and all of the services industries across the region may not return to pre-pandemic levels for years. The appeal of a single connected market of more than 650 million and rising middle classes with a combined GDP of 3 trillion dollars has lost its allure. The pandemic will not lead to the demise of Asean but it could spell the end of the Asean success story as we know it.

Asean's broad downturn has led to inaction and ineffectiveness. Regarding the South China Sea and China's upstream Mekong dams, Asean lacks a unified and vociferous position. On Myanmar's coup and crisis, Asean's response with an envoy to promote dialogue has been too little, too late. Democracy and autocracy have emerged as a new Asean fault line. Less autocratic states appear to have different preferences than their more democratic peers.

Asean's existential conundrum calls for new thinking. The five founding members -- Thailand as the semi-authoritarian laggard among them -- should take the lead and bite the bullet on crises and issues that cannot be kicked down the road time and again. Chief among them now is Myanmar. The five original Asean members are not far apart in their call for a cessation of violence, the release of political prisoners, a return to dialogue, and a restoration of the democratic process. This should be Asean's main track on Myanmar. The alternative to a multi-pronged, multi-track Asean is inaction and irrelevance which will invite superpower interference and dominance.

Written by: Thitinan Pongsudhirak

125 Selected Analysis

Source: Bangkok Post Published: 13 August 2021 The author is a professor and director of the Institute of Security and International Studies at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Political Science.

(E) US, West should refrain from encouraging civil war in Myanmar Myanmar's shadow government - the National Unity Government (NUG) composed of ousted NLD lawmakers - on Tuesday launched a "people's defensive war"against the military government that took power in February. It urged citizens across the country to revolt against the military rule by joining the "public revolution." In a video address, acting president of the NUG Duwa Lashi La called on the People's Defense Forces and ethnic armed forces to "immediately attack" the military.

The People's Defense Forces were established in May. It pledged loyalty to the NLD and only has a small number of members. The military government branded the NUG and People's Defense Forces as terrorist groups, while Duwa Lashi La called the military government "military terrorists led by Min Aung Hlaing."

The situation in Myanmar is showing a dangerous trend of further deterioration.

Myanmar has witnessed long-term political turmoil. There are intertwined conflicts between the military and anti-junta rule political parties as well as between the ruling government and ethnic armed forces. If armed clashes are indulged and political extremist action is encouraged, then the country will be plagued by endless battles and trouble.

It's time for Myanmar to choose: solve internal conflicts by fighting and bombing, or sticking to the principle of peace and inclusiveness. Internal conflicts within Myanmar are tense. Worse, international views over the Myanmar issue tend to have different preference, which provides incessant driving forces for civil unrest in Myanmar.

Myanmar's neighboring countries believe that peace and stability are of paramount importance to Myanmar and are willing to help promote peace among all parties in the country. This is not only China's attitude. ASEAN pretty much shares the same stance. However, the US and the West are taking sides, supporting the NLD government, which was overthrown by Myanmar's military, to assume power. This has provided NLD more hope to oust the junta through escalating confrontations against it.

Western countries won't necessarily be able to turn the situation in Myanmar 126 Selected Analysis

into a "civil war" by only mobilizing Myanmar's shadow government and "People's Defense Force." Myanmar's military has deep-rooted power in the country. Since the crisis in February, it has gone through waves of protests by NLD supporters, bomb attacks by the "People's Defense Force" and sanctions from foreign countries. But they have always been able to take the situation under control. It mirrors the different characteristics of Myanmar's military as a special political force, compared with general troops.

Myanmar has a 600,000-strong army. Even when the NLD was in power, the military still kept 25 percent of the seats in the Myanmar parliament.

But if the US and other Western countries openly support anti-junta forces, including the "People's Defense Force," militarily, taking the step to provide them with a large number of weapons, a real "civil war" may take shape. The Myanmar situation will turn a new page.

The NLD is still the legitimate party in Myanmar. Its previous stance does not include publicly supporting attacks that target the military and government agencies. If the NLD participates and leads a "revolution," it will lead to a turnaround in Myanmar's situation.

China adheres to a foreign policy that does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. For China, Myanmar's peace is the most important. If Myanmar is in chaos, its refugees would flee to China. The investment of Chinese businessmen in Myanmar will be under serious threat. In the past when the Myanmar military clashed with ethnic armed forces, bombs were dropped into Chinese territory occasionally.

As a Chinese media outlet, we oppose any policy adopted by the US and Western forces that would further worsen the situation in Myanmar. For us, their political declaration matters nothing to them but will only harm Myanmar. It has been proven that the Western-style system does not fit Myanmar. The country needs to face reality and explore a political framework accepted by all sides to realize national and political reconciliation.

At the critical juncture when Myanmar's shadow government called for a "revolution" by advocating a civil war, the attitude of the international community is very important. We hope the Western world could focus on the tangible benefits of the Myanmar public and not support a civil war so as to shoulder due responsibilities to save the situation of Myanmar.

Written by: Global Times Editorial Source: Global Times Published: 7 September 2021

127 Selected Analysis

(F) Aukus pact raises geopolitical tensions In less than a month, the trilateral security partnership among Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom (Aukus) has stolen the thunder from other geostrategic schemes that have been around for over a decade.

Aukus now overshadows the "Quad" grouping of Australia, India, Japan and the US, and outshines earlier geostrategic projections, such as the US' "free and open Indo-Pacific" (FOIP). That the Anglo-American-Australian alliance -- which might be dubbed "Triple A" -- has become the main bulwark against China's expansionist aims will likely raise regional tensions to the detriment of Asean centrality and Southeast Asia's peace and stability.

While media attention has been focused on Aukus' stated intention to support Australia's acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines, the trilateral partnership is broader. It intends to share information and technology and integrate security and defence capabilities in the promotion of the existing "international rules-based order", which was instrumentally constructed by the Anglo-American alliance after World War II to the benefit of countries like Australia. Aukus also sets out to "protect…shared values and promote security and prosperity" in the prevailing international system. This is a potent and patently status quo agreement in view of China's role and status as "revisionist" power.

While the Indo-Pacific remains the main arena of contention and contest, Aukus is more than a two-ocean response to China's Belt and Road Initiative and expansionism in the South China Sea and elsewhere. The post-Brexit UK's central role in Aukus adds the Atlantic Ocean into the Indo-Pacific mix, entailing a re-conceptualisation of the contours and dynamics of global politics. This three-ocean projection will further make Beijing feel more encircled and agitated. As a result, the near-term ramifications are not hard to figure out.

First, Aukus outflanks the Quad and its FOIP basis because India and Japan's combined heft has been insufficient to take China to task. Despite its contentious issues and tensions with China, India's congenital autonomy precludes being roped into the Australia-America axis against Beijing. Similarly, Japan sees China as a geopolitical rival and security threat but needs to chart its own path in dealing with Beijing.

No country with a direct land or maritime border with China is willing to openly risk the ire of Beijing. This is why the Quad can only go so far. A more concrete agreement in view of the sharing of nuclear technology and defence interoperability, Aukus goes further partly because it comprises countries from farther away with tensions and issues vis-à-vis China but no direct borders.

128 Selected Analysis

Second, for the UK, Aukus is deeply consequential. Being out of the European Union means having to carve out its own niches and means of power. At issue is what kind of great power the UK wants to be.

Its decision to join Aukus may have cast its geostrategic die, throwing its lot in with the US and reviving the old and trusted "special relationship" and bilateral Atlantic alliance short of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato). The UK's alternative would have been to strike a moving balance between the US and the EU. Aukus is now likely to further alienate the UK from the EU, which has its own and more autonomous Indo-Pacific strategy. Yet the UK's connection with Australia through Aukus is unlikely to revive old British imperial relations or boost Commonwealth bonds. Australia sees the UK more as partner and peer rather than a former colonial periphery to its imperial core. While Australia stands to benefit the most from Aukus because Canberra knows what kind of a middle power it wants to be, the UK's great-power status is unclear.

Does the UK want to play second fiddle to the Americans and stay further away from the EU's orbit? To what extent is the UK geostrategically autonomous and independent? The answers to these questions are consequential and crucial to the UK's plans and conduct in its new international life.

The third ramification is all about China. Aukus will be seen in Beijing as an act of symbolic aggression by the Western powers. Chinese strategic planners will likely blame the Australians, first for picking a fight by accusing China of starting the coronavirus pandemic and then, after China pushed back with a trade and tariff war, getting its bigger friend and cousin to gang up on Beijing.

Surely, Aukus will elicit a clear and muscular response in no uncertain terms.

Already Chinese warplanes have hovered over Taiwanese skies. China's South China Sea manoeuvres may be stepped up, and its "wolf warrior" diplomacy will probably become more active. China will likely see itself as a victim rather than the aggressor.

Fourth, these tensions will simmer and manifest in the Asean domain. While China has divided Asean on South China Sea issues and attracted Cambodia and Laos to its fold, Aukus will further polarise the 10-member grouping, which already has been hobbled by Myanmar's post-coup crisis.

Malaysia and Indonesia, as opposed to Singapore and Vietnam, are not in favour of Aukus, while the trilateral deal may complicate related cooperative vehicles, such as the Five Powers Defence Arrangement among Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the UK. 129 Selected Analysis

Asean centrality will thus face a further test under Aukus, as Australia pushes back against China in Southeast Asia's neighbourhood. A more unified and uniformed Asean is needed to maintain a central role in regional cooperation for peace and security. But Asean has suffered more and more from disunity and discord.

In fact, the Quad's recent movements and now Aukus are by-products of Asean's inertia and inability to provide organisation and direction in its own neighbourhood in view of China's belligerence. It does not mean Asean will crumble or disappear but its relevance and central role will further diminish.

Finally, there are related consequences from Aukus. Asean and New Zealand are intent on maintaining a nuclear-free environment, which is now made more difficult. The Asia-Pacific geostrategic frame is now more marginalised and eclipsed by the Indo-Pacific, shifting the focus from prosperity to security.

Yet something like Aukus was bound to emerge. China's expansionism is unlikely to go unchecked while the old alliances of the West remain deeply rooted.

As these signs bode ill for Southeast Asia's hitherto peaceful neighbourhood, it behoves Asean leaders to close ranks and realise that being together is geostrategically more beneficial than being divided by outside powers.

Written by: Thitinan Pongsudhirak Source: Bangkok Post Published: 8 October 2021 The author is a professor and director of the Institute of Security and International Studies at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Political Science.

(G) Act now to save Mekong Last week, the Mekong River Commission (MRC) released two reports which once again highlighted the existential threats to the Mekong River.

The reports, titled "Status and Trends of Fish Abundance and Diversity in the Lower Mekong Basin during 2007-2018" (FADM) and "Social Impact Monitoring and Vulnerability Assessment 2018" (SIMVA), were the first comprehensive environmental and social impact studies on the river released by the MRC, an intergovernmental organisation which was established in 1995 to promote regional cooperation along the Lower Mekong Basin (LMB). While in the past, the MRC was widely perceived as a toothless body, it has recently become more vocal in its critique of various development projects along the river.

130 Selected Analysis

The FADM, which was based on data collected from 25 water stations in four countries between 2007 and 2018, found that most communities which rely on fishing along the LMB have reported a decline in catches. In Laos and Vietnam, the study found, catch rates have declined at two out of four and three of five stations surveyed, respectively.

Meanwhile, SIMVA found that floods have become more frequent along the river, which the report said were caused by a combination of climate change and other factors, including infrastructure development. Noteworthy was the fact that 80% of natural disasters reported along the LMB -- which include floods and landslides -- occurred in Thai territory.

After the reports' release, MRC urged states to come up with an "integrated river management plans to address risks from increasing hydropower development".

The warning reflects the lack of collective action to address the threat to the Mekong River that is the damming of its course. Over the past decade, China has completed 11 projects, with one still under construction. More dams are planned along the Mekong's lower reaches, with two dams set to be built in Laos -- the electricity from which will be sold to Thailand.

Indeed, development along the Mekong has been done in a laissez-faire manner, with nations claiming sovereignty to justify projects despite repeated complaints from affected communities about the environmental impact. As such, the reports were released at a perfect time, just a week before the Asean Summit and COP26 in Glasgow.

While Asean is currently dealing with the situation in Myanmar, as well as being in the middle of a geopolitical spat between superpowers, it should take the chance to rise to the occasion. Since August, the bloc has collaborated with the MRC to launch the Water Security Dialogue, a platform through which riparian countries and other nations can share their knowledge of water management -the lessons from which can be used to protect the Mekong. The reports can be a catalyst for Asean to establish joint water management among riparian countries, with both the MRC and Asean as the focal point. States have been allowed to exploit the river for so long and the river needs a reliable regional mechanism -- with civil society in the centre -- to survive.

At COP26 in Glasgow, it is hoped governments and international organisations will begin to seriously address problems surrounding hydroelectric dams. While hydroelectric dams can help reduce global emissions, MRC's reports showed a different picture which show how clean energy development also come with environmental risks. The world needs better oversight to deal with environment and social risks associated with renewable energy projects.

131 Selected Analysis

Written by: Bangkok Post Editorial Source: Bangkok Post Published: 26 October 2021

(H) The geopolitics of China’s CPTPP move Nowhere is the intersection between geopolitics and geoeconomics more evident than the accession negotiations under the 11-member Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). At issue are three new applications for accession by the United Kingdom, China, and Taiwan.

While the UK's candidacy alters the geographic crux of what has been AsiaPacific trade liberalisation, China's and Taiwan's entry efforts represent a proxy showdown between the United States-led global order and 75-year-old alliance system versus Beijing's geostrategic ambitions and objectives.

For China, applying for CPTPP membership is a shrewd move, a potential winwin but with an unthinkable risk for Beijing's strategic planners. Whether China gets in or not is less important to Beijing than if Taiwan accedes at all. In the 2020s, unlike the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation from 1989, it is hard to imagine China being in the same trade bloc as Taiwan, which Beijing considers a "renegade province" from the Chinese civil war that culminated with the communist revolution in 1949.

At the same time, Taiwan's accession without the same for China would be a huge strategic setback for Beijing. It would fundamentally undermine Beijing's "One China" policy, tarnish its global standing and prestige, embolden Taiwan's pro-independence movement, and deepen the global divide between China and the US. For its part, Washington has been stepping up its support for Taiwan in the face of China's threats and intimidation to forcefully unify the democratic and prosperous island state with mainland China.

CPTPP has thus become an arena of geopolitical jostling. China's overall strategy appears to be twofold in trying to gain accession for itself and to prevent Taiwan from getting in at the same time. If it somehow gets to join first in what will be a long deliberation process, currently chaired by Japan this year with Singapore and New Zealand in line for 2022-23, Beijing will be able to use its membership to thwart Taiwan's entry.

To be sure, the CPTPP membership -- Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam -- has come a long way from its origin two decades ago as a trade partnership among the four smallest economies of the mix. These four (Brunei, Chile, New Zealand, and Singapore) later joined what became the Trans-Pacific Partnership under former US President Barack Obama's leadership, incorporating US traditional 132 Selected Analysis

allies and established trade partners, such as Australia, Canada, Japan, and Mexico.

While it became Barack Obama's economic strategy complementing the US' "pivot and rebalance" to Asia, the TPP also became an alternative "gold standard" trade liberalisation in view of the World Trade Organization's failed Doha Round. It was the "second-best" solution for the doomed multilateral trading system. As is infamously known, former US President Donald Trump promptly answered domestic anti-globalisation and anti-liberalisation voters by pulling its biggest member out of the TPP in 2017.

With Japan's leadership under then-prime minister Shinzo Abe government, salvaging what's left of TPP became CPTPP. The US' potential return under the new administration of President Joe Biden seems a remote possibility.

Protectionist and anti-globalisation sentiments remain strong currents in the stream of American public opinion.

Washington is thus out of the two main and overlapping trade blocs that have emerged in the past half decade, the CPTPP and the 15-member Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). While China is applying to join the former, it is a founding and largest member of the RCEP, which is centred around Asean alongside Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea.

India opted out at the last moment owing to domestic vested interests and its rationalization of already having bilateral free-trade agreements with most RCEP economies.

Representing more of a streamlined freer-trade architecture between Asean and its major dialogue partners rather than a full-fledged trade liberalisation in a WTO fashion, RCEP pools together 30% of global trade and gross domestic product, with 40% of the world's population. While CPTPP is smaller with 15% of global trade and 13% of global GDP and just 6% of the world population as its market, the 11-member trade liberalisation platform is more comprehensive and substantial than RCEP. CPTPP includes chapters on labour and state-owned enterprises, freedom of association and elimination of forced labour, digital requirements as well as a prohibition on the forced disclosure of source code. These rigorous behindborder liberalisation extends well beyond RCEP's scope.

Among Asean economies, Brunei and Singapore were two of the original four but it was a coup of sorts that Malaysia and Vietnam had their domestic acts together to join. Thailand missed out completely due to its domestic conflict and consequent policy inertia. Despite expressing its interest, the current Thai government is unlikely to have Thailand's house in order enough to sign on to CPTPP for the foreseeable future.

133 Selected Analysis

In view of this regional trade environment, China's CPTPP application will likely be opposed by Australia, Japan, and Vietnam due to thorny relations. China and Australia have locked horns in a trade and tariff war, whereas Beijing's ties with Tokyo and Hanoi are marked by distrust.

China therefore may simply be posturing. It first wants to show global leadership by applying to join where the US has quit. As Washington turns its back on multilateral trade liberalisation, Beijing wants to be seen as a promoter of free trade. Moreover, China's CPTPP application is likely designed to split the trade bloc.

Apart from Australia, Japan and Vietnam in the sceptical camp, China may want to leverage its deepening economic ties with the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) for CPTPP gains. CELAC includes Chile, Mexico and Peru, three Latin American economies and CPTPP members that are increasingly reliant on China for trade and investment. Beijing's lobbying to get into the CPTPP is likely to rely on these three CELAC members.

As a result of these CPTPP-related dynamics, the UK's application is a standalone in view of the country's having to find its own way after "Brexit". The United Kingdom may end up as a beneficiary of the China-Taiwan competition in CPTPP enlargement. The prospect of accepting China but not Taiwan is unlikely to appeal to the pro-democracy and anti-China camp among the 11 member economies. Yet taking in Taiwan without China is also unappealing because of the geopolitical tensions such a prospect would stoke. The pro-China Latin American countries are also unlikely to allow a Taiwanese entry without a mainland Chinese accession.

On purely geostrategic grounds, China and Taiwan would seem to cancel each other out unless both are accepted. The UK's CPTPP likelihood may be more promising because the 11-member grouping may not want to come out of this accession calculation looking exclusionary and closed. To stay open on trade liberalisation, the current CPTPP lot will come under pressure to admit at least one applicant, if not all three. Letting the UK into CPTPP would also allow the current members to proclaim that trade liberalisation can be multilateralised once again, not subject to maps and boundaries and not captured by geopolitical tensions and vested interests.

Written by: Thitinan Pongsudhirak Source: Bangkok Post Published: 3 December 2021 The author is a professor and director of the Institute of Security and International Studies at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Political Science.

134 Selected Analysis

Economic Affairs (I) China-ASEAN Digital Silk Road under construction Rapid development of the data economy is giving rise to new forms of cooperation as well as competition Data is in a stage of rapid growth. According to Statista, an international data organization, the amount of data generated worldwide reached 59 zettabytes (59 trillion gigabytes) in 2020 and may increase about 35 times by 2035. The economic value created by data is also booming. According to an International Data Corporation forecast in 2019, the global data market will feature three major players by 2025－with the Chinese data market accounting for about 28 percent of the pie; the United States about 17.5 percent; and the Europe, Middle East and Africa region about 27.6 percent.

Platform-based multinational corporations are also growing rapidly and becoming monopolistic by controlling user data. At the end of 2019, there were about 74 leading digital platform businesses in the world, of which 35 were US companies and 30 Chinese. However, the US has obvious comparative advantages in terms of market value, with US digital platforms accounting for 74.1 percent of the global total, while Chinese platforms account for 22.5 percent.

The rapid development of the data economy has given rise to new forms of geopolitical competition. Countries and businesses can analyze and predict macroeconomic and social trends in other countries based on massive data collection and collation. However, with data protectionism on the rise, countries are increasingly opting for data encapsulation, access restrictions, and regulatory policies.

In April 2020, the US Agency for International Development released its first ever Digital Strategy, which seeks to build a US-led international digital ecosystem through digital aid, which adopts "US values" as the norm for digital foreign aid and attempts to build a US-centered international digital alliance.

Some of the claims made in the strategy are confusing, such as "helping partner countries achieve self-reliance", which is in fact aimed at building an international digital alliance to maintain the interests of the US, based on US technological strength.

On the back of its huge data market and advantages in data economy, the EU seeks to gain a greater say in the international digital rule-making and erect barriers to its data market by introducing the "gatekeeping" draft law, increasing 135 Selected Analysis

its budget allocation for the digital sector, and beginning research into 6G standards, with an aim of laying the foundation for long-term development in the digital area.

The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue tech network, which was launched in Canberra on Feb 9, may lead to new changes in the international digital landscape. Participants include the National Security College of Australian National University; the Center for a New American Security, a US think tank; Japan's National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies and the Observer Research Foundation, an Indian think tank.

With the establishment of the Quad tech network, the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue is gradually expanding its focus from conventional security to digital, network and other non-conventional security fields, which will also help refine the US' Indo-Pacific strategy by including the digital sector.

Digitally small and medium-sized countries have also signed digital economy agreements and digital currency agreements to build secondary digital alliances away from China, the US and the European Union. The signing of such agreements represents a new phase for global economic alliances. A network of digital economy agreements led by Singapore has been established. There are also constant calls for secondary digital partnerships.

At present, the Asia-Pacific region has become a major arena for digital competition, with Southeast Asia in the spotlight for major powers thanks to the huge potential of its digital economy, in which China plays a crucial role. For geopolitical reasons, Southeast Asia is indispensable for the Indo-Pacific strategy of the US and the EU, as well as the formation of secondary digital partnerships and the development of the global digital economy, since it will become the fourth largest digital market in the world, behind China, the US and Europe.

As global digital competition intensifies, a good digital governance framework is needed for both global and regional development, which is precisely the point of building the China-ASEAN Digital Silk Road.

China is strengthening its digital economy cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, having established a ministerial dialogue mechanism for digital economy cooperation with Thailand, signed MOUs on e-commerce cooperation with Vietnam and Cambodia respectively, and started negotiations on a bilateral memorandum of understanding on cross-border e-commerce cooperation with Malaysia.

China is also actively involved in the construction of digital infrastructure in ASEAN countries, with the launch of Alibaba Cloud in Indonesia in 2018 and its 136 Selected Analysis

expansion in 2020. Besides, Chinese businesses partner with local ASEAN companies mostly through equity investment and mergers and acquisitions.

China was the largest source of FDI for ASEAN tech startups from 2016 to the first half of 2019.

One of the key factors for China-ASEAN digital economy cooperation is crossborder data cooperation, which may serve as the catalyst for their greater strategic synergy. It is advisable that China and Southeast Asian countries negotiate digital trade agreements while China and ASEAN set up a regional data and digital technology collaboration mechanism to drive digital cooperation in the form of industry- and business-led ASEAN integration.

In East Asia, China, together with ASEAN and Singapore, may design a regional digital currency package which includes the digital currencies of the Republic of Korea, Japan and Singapore for a China-ASEAN digital currency toolbox to facilitate flows of capital and data and build a new digital governance model in the region. In the future, multilateral diplomacy may also be leveraged via the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and China-EU Comprehensive Agreement on Investment for a China-ASEAN-EU trilateral cooperation platform to shape a broader area for international cooperation on the digital economy and its governance. Countries such as Japan and the ROK may also be included in due course to further extend the East Asian cooperation model on the digital economy.

Written by: Zhai Kun Source: China Daily Published: 23 July 2021 The author is a professor of the School of International Relations and a researcher at the Center for Digital Governance at Peking University.

(J) Coming clean on CPTPP China's move to formally apply to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) should be a catalyst in accelerating the Thai government's decision on joining the controversial pact.

Although geopolitical strategy is believed to be behind Beijing's Sept 16 decision, as the world's second largest economy, China's bid to join the CPTPP does matter.

Following China, Taiwan on Sept 22 also filed an application to join the pact.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom applied for CPTPP membership in August.

137 Selected Analysis

China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), its accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and its latest move to join the CPTPP indicate Beijing is becoming a game changer on the global economic landscape.

Several countries are being encouraged by China's bid to join the CPTPP. In Asean, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei are members of the CPTPP. Indonesia and the Philippines have expressed an interest in joining.

Thailand will miss out on the benefits of a powerful trade pact if the country does not join the CPTPP, especially if China becomes its new engine. But being in too big a hurry to join the pact without a profound evaluation of its impacts, along with careful planning, public debate, and providing sufficient remedial measures for those affected could do more harm than good.

Last week, the International Economic Policy Committee (IEPC) chaired by Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai discussed how Thailand should proceed with the CPTPP issue. The committee required state agencies to come up with areas of concern, reservations and some idea of what adjustments would be needed, within the next 30-45 days.

Additional issues will be included in the negotiation framework will be filed later for cabinet's approval.

However, according to media reports, the committee dropped a proposal for an additional study to evaluate the impacts of the treaty after China, UK and Taiwan applied to join.

A study on CPTPP's pros and cons was conducted in 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic, by the Department of Trade Negotiations, and another partial one is being conducted by a House committee.

According to the reports, Mr Don is expected to submit a Letter of Intent on CPTPP accession to cabinet for its approval. Some say he will submit the LOI without waiting for completion of the negotiation framework. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha reportedly asked cabinet's meeting on Oct 12 for a progress report on the possibility of Thailand joining the CPTPP. Make no mistake, the CPTPP will provide improved market access for Thai goods and services exports. But it comes with a price -- painful trade-offs between economic growth and suffering in some sectors.

Consumers also stand to be affected by protection of patents on seeds, plants and vines, and pharmaceutical patents under CPTPP provisions.

138 Selected Analysis

The CPTPP is known as a "high standard" multilateral agreement which will require Thailand to liberalise its trade to an unprecedented extent.

Its provisions on intellectual property protection are seen as beneficial to wealthier countries and large companies while hitting poorer countries and consumers.

The government has never told the public about its drawbacks and how it will will handle such impacts and help affected groups. It must come clean about these matters before it decides to join.

Written by: Bangkok Post Editorial Source: Bangkok Post Published: 25 October 2021

(K) All systems go China should seek to improve its existing development cooperation mechanisms with the RCEP members to help ensure smooth implementation of the agreement When the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement, the world's largest free trade agreement, comes into effect on Jan 1, it is expected to boost regional cooperation worldwide and provide developing countries a platform to engage in the reshaping of the global trading system.

However, the disparities among the member states should be factored in when promoting facilitation and liberalization of trade and investment.

The China-Indochina Peninsula Economic Corridor passes through eight countries-China, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Laos and Singapore. Some countries along this corridor are economically underdeveloped and have poor infrastructure. China is supporting these countries' capacity building through development cooperation.

The Kyaukpyu deep-water port in Myanmar, the China-Myanmar railway, and China-Myanmar expressway are some of the key projects supported by China to drive local development. Linking Laos with its neighboring countries, the ChinaLaos railway, an important section of the pan-Asia railway network, is a project of historical significance. In addition, China-invested economic and trade cooperation zones on the Indo-China Peninsula are also contributing to improving local industrial systems and people's livelihoods.

139 Selected Analysis

The Lancang-Mekong Cooperation mechanism, which involves China, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, is a sub-regional partnership proposed

by China. It has yielded notable results since being established. So far, China has helped construct more than 40 major projects, including the Siem Reap New International Airport in Cambodia.

China has also taken the lead in sharing its flood-season hydrological data on the Lancang River, the upper section of the Mekong River that flows through China, with five downstream countries.

China has provided training sessions in health and education for more than 40,000 people through over 400 programs. In the first half of 2020, China's trade with countries in the Mekong River basin area weathered the storm of the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing by 8.7 percent year-on-year in volume, while investment in the region rose by 33.5 percent. In 2020, China's trade volume with the five countries along the Mekong River reached $332.1 billion, up 66.3 percent compared with 2015.

On the flip side, while both the China-Indochina Peninsula Economic Corridor and the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation mechanism are designed to promote sustainable development of regional countries, the two platforms operate separately with some overlapping functions. As the two platforms are supervised by different government departments in China, and there is no alignment between them, there is inefficient use of resources in regional cooperation, hindering effective cooperation between China and the other RCEP member states.

Here are a few suggestions for China to promote development cooperation among the RCEP members.

The Lancang-Mekong Cooperation mechanism, which is intended to build a community with a shared future for Lancang-Mekong countries, should focus more on international development assistance cooperation, so that it will have a positive outcome on follow-up negotiations on the RCEP agreement.

The China-Indochina Peninsula Economic Corridor should enhance connectivity building and put infrastructure construction high on the agenda through preferential investment cooperation. Countries such as Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam still require large amounts of investment for infrastructure.

To welcome more third-party cooperation, Japan, the Republic of Korea and Singapore can provide public goods in international development cooperation and China needs to win recognition and support from these economic powerhouses to promote the RCEP's integration. Since Japan and the ROK have gradually retreated from international cooperation in recent years, a new 140 Selected Analysis

cooperation model should be created to encourage the two countries to proactively participate in development cooperation with a larger scale and wider influence.

Third-party market cooperation has gained traction in recent years as it can lower the overall risks for each participant. China and Japan have already begun cooperation in third-party markets. For example, they have joined hands with Thailand to launch a development project in the East Thailand Economic Corridor. China can also combine the strength of Japan in advanced engineering, the edge of the ROK in chemical industry and the experience of Singapore in urban management to promote international cooperation among the RCEP countries.

To explore international cooperation patterns in China's border areas, the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region and Yunnan province, as the two provincial-level regions that have the longest land border with other RCEP countries, received approval to build pilot free trade zones in 2019. The idea behind the two pilot free trade zones is to forge close partnerships with China's neighboring countries.

Once the RCEP comes into effect, Guangxi and Yunnan will give more attention to the markets of other RCEP countries. This year, they released blueprints on facilitating RCEP cooperation, drawing up solid action plans for cross-border trade and industrial cooperation.

With the RCEP all set to come into effect soon, Guangxi and Yunnan could take advantage of their own strengths as pilot free trade zones to tap the potential of regional cooperation, and explore new models of cross-border collaboration. As their preliminary cooperation, they could offer education and training assistance to other RCEP countries to boost their trade and economic cooperation capacity, help improve their business environments, and smooth the trade cooperation between China and other RCEP countries. This would help China gain experience in promoting an equitable and fair global trading system.

Written by: Wang Zhifang Source: China Daily Published: 17 November 2021 The author is a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation.

141 Selected Analysis

(L) High-speed rail blues Concern has grown over the influx of fresh produce from China into the Thai market after the China-Laos bullet train railway commenced operations early this month.

Opposition MPs submitted a motion to question the government last week following a report that 33 containers with 20 tonnes each of fresh vegetables from China were sent to Thailand in the first week of December.

The 414km route which took five years to construct under China's trillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative runs from the Boten border pass in northern Laos bordering China to Vientiane which is opposite Nong Khai, Thailand's border town on the bank of the Mekong River.

The trains set out from Kunming, the capital city of southwest China's Yunnan province, in the morning and arrive at Vientiane by nightfall on the same day.

They speed along the line at up to 160 km/h.

The development is challenging to Thailand as Chinese fresh produce can be sent to the Thai border in one day at a much cheaper cost than air transport.

But the China-Laos Railway is a great opportunity for all three nations -- China, Laos and Thailand. Thailand can likewise reap the opportunity to export fresh produce, particularly fruit to China via the rail route.

Unfortunately, the 652 km high-speed train railway from Bangkok to Nong Khai has made little progress after the 179-billion-baht project was agreed with China in May 2016. The project is supposed to connect to the China-Laos bullet train railway.

According to Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob, it won't be until 2026 until the first phase of the high-speed train project which links Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima is operational.

And then the construction of the second phase linking Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai will take 5-10 years to finish. Thailand will lose immense opportunities from such a delay.

Aat Pisanwanich, director of the Center for International Trade Studies, University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, expects the import of fresh produce from China to Thailand via the China-Laos railway will jump to 200 containers a month next year, increasing the country's trade deficit with China.

142 Selected Analysis

Firstly, the government must ensure the quality and standard of the produce that comes from China. The government must also reach an agreement to link the country's existing railway to the Laos-China railway so it can transport its own domestic products to China along the newly-developed line.

In October, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) called on the government to speed up a tripartite agreement with its Lao and Chinese counterparts to develop seamless logistics infrastructure between Thailand and the China-Laos Railway.

Currently, railway logistics between Thailand and Laos are enabled via the conventional one-metre gauge track linking Nong Khai and Tha Na Laeng station in northern Vientiane. However, there is still a missing link between the existing rail system and the Laos-China railway which is in southern Vientiane. There has been no progress in relation to the NESDC's recommendation.

Like it or not, under the Asean-China FTA, Thailand cannot block the flood of cheaper products from China, so the government must be smart. The China-Laos link holds great promise for Thailand, both in terms of trade and also investment and tourism. However, to capitalise on these factors there is little time to waste.

Written by: Bangkok Post Editorial Source: Bangkok Post Published: 20 December 2021

(M) Lauding RCEP: free trade for (almost) all When the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) comes into force on Jan 1, its member countries can look back with satisfaction at their accomplishments that required more than hard bargaining and negotiations with all kinds of specific instructions from the bosses. Over time those men and women became a family. When they met, they laughed and cajoled, knowing full well what would happen after each session.

However, there was an earth shattering development in early 2017 when the US pulled out of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) that unexpectedly accelerated the RCEP members to wrap matters up as soon as possible to maintain free-trade momentum. It was a crisis that transformed into a golden opportunity for the so-called Asean plus six to show their magnanimity.

Indeed, it was unfortunate that India opted out at the last minute in November 2019 during the final round of negotiations held in Bangkok under the Thai chairmanship of Asean. No country expected that kind of scenario would actually

143 Selected Analysis

happen as all members wanted to have India as one of the preferred markets, apart from China.

In retrospect, it was a sensitive yet good decision by New Delhi, otherwise the country would have faced multiple challenges immediately after the Bangkok summit. The Covid-19 pandemic and its negative impacts on local socioeconomic conditions and the just-ended two-year protests by Indian farmers have rocked the Modi administration to the core.

Be that as it may, RCEP is still open for India to return as a member. In other words, whenever India is ready, it can come in at any time. The same applies to other countries which want to be part of the RCEP family. At the moment, the United Kingdom, Chile, Canada and Hong Kong have expressed keen interest in joining the trade pact.

Back in 2012, when Asean discussed a broader free trade framework with its dialogue partners, no one believed that it would be possible because of the differences in economic size and stage of development. If India's pullout represented the tipping point that helped remove the final and biggest hurdle for the remaining 15 members to cross, former US president Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the TPP right after he won the presidency in 2017 was the first game-changing moment that provided an adrenaline push for all.

During 2017-2018, anti-free trade sentiment was on the rise and so was the antiglobalisation movement at the grassroots level. The region's leading economies, Japan and Australia, which were members of the TPP, had to come to the rescue, prompting stronger political will to counter anti-multilateral trade that eventually helped to facilitate the RCEP negotiations.

A case in point happened at the RCEP ministerial meeting in Tokyo in 2017, when Japan showed unusual leadership to push forward the negotiations among RCEP countries. Tokyo was also working on the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a smaller version of the TPP, to ensure that the free trade regimes across the Asia-Pacific would survive and continue. Both trading pacts are complementary that will expand trading markets for all members.

At the time, the US-China rivalry, which emerged during Mr Trump's presidency, had yet to fester or cause toxic ripple effects on Japan-China relations. Therefore, their cordial ties allowed both sides to participate in the RCEP negotiations without any problems. Both countries hoped to further strengthen their fragile relationship. President Xi Jinping, who was scheduled to visit Tokyo in early 2020, could not go due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Then, incrementally as the pandemic began to create havoc around the world, US ties with China began to 144 Selected Analysis

sour, with Washington singularly blaming Beijing for the global spread of the coronavirus.

Consequently, like the spread of the virus, one witnessed the high-speed deterioration of China-Japan ties which fortunately did not impact the ongoing RCEP negotiations. Lest we forget, just two years ago, Asia's two largest economies were on speaking terms. Tokyo and Beijing were still consulting and working together to push forward free trade and economic integration.

Kudos must go to all trade negotiators who agreed on common lists of dos and don'ts as it required more than thousands of thousands of commodity items.

Humility and mutual desire for shared economic growth won the day eventually.

Looking back, given the current situation, if the RCEP were to be postponed due to the unfinished negotiations during the pandemic, the world's biggest free trade pact would never have become a reality. It would be interesting to follow up on the future of CPTPP now that China has expressed its desire to become a signatory.

According to Department of Trade negotiators, Thailand will benefit handsomely from the pact in terms of a bigger market because the member countries have a combined population of nearly 2.3 billion and had a total GDP of US$28.5 trillion in 2020, with their US$10.7 trillion worth of trade comprising 30.3% of global trade last year.

Thailand, which just ratified RCEP last month, will enjoy a total of 29,891 items without any tariffs in the first phase. Another 39,366 items of goods will benefit from a reduction in duties. Although Thailand has signed bilateral free trade pacts with major dialogue countries, the RCEP has reduced further customs tariff collections.

Under the pact, Thai investors can hold 70-80% shares in certain businesses such as construction overseas, creating new opportunities for Thai businesses.

Last year, Thailand's trade volume with RCEP members reached 7.87 trillion baht, or 57.5% of the country's total trade. In the coming year, the volume will multiply as Thai exports are expected to increase many times over.

With RCEP coming into force in 10 days, leading economies in Asean and broader Asia are looking forward to forging another mega free trade project known as the Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific. Thailand, as the chair of Apec 2022, is working hard to create new momentum to ensure the quick recovery of the post pandemic world. Otherwise, protectionist measures could reign.

One caveat is in order. With the current geopolitical atmosphere, any breakthrough as happened in the RCEP negotiations will not be as smooth as 145 Selected Analysis

before unless there is a new trajectory between the world's No.1 and No.2 economies that is less hostile and more beholden to a collaborative spirit.

Written by: Kavi Chongkittavorn Source: Bangkok Post Published: 21 December 2021 The author is a veteran journalist on regional affairs.

(N) Vilifying China-Laos railway exposes West’s ‘sour grapes’ thinking With the China-Laos railway officially put into use, the Laotian people are now expecting more visitors after the country reopens its borders to fully vaccinated tourists in January 2022. Holding a sour-grapes mentality, Western media outlets, again, took the chance to hype up the baseless "debt trap" stories.

Citing so-called experts, Voice of America (VOA) said that Laos may become mired in a debt crisis due to financing from China to build the railway, and even with the railway being launched, exports of its agricultural and mineral products will be hard to be promoted.

It is simply another typical case reviewing the sour-grapes mentality of the USled Western world, unwilling to see any beneficial cooperation between China and others, and they know clearly that they have lost advantages in pursuing such kinds of collaboration.

From the perspective of a landlocked country like Laos, the significance of setting up high-speed rail connections with its neighbors is clear for all to see.

Before the completion of the China-Laos railway, the country only had a 3.5kilometer long rail which links with Thailand, and transportation facility shortage was one major restriction inhibiting its economic growth.

The 1,035-kilometer China-Laos railway does not only connect Laos with China, but also linked the landlocked country with the international logistic systems, including the China-Europe freight trains that have linked China with 174 cities in 23 European countries now.

Since the China-Laos railway's inauguration on December 3, the total value of cargo transported by the railway exceeded 100 million yuan ($15.7 million) in just 12 days, according to the People's Daily.

Major imports of China through the railway are natural rubber, fertilizer, iron ore and others; and major exports from China are vegetables, fruits, steel products and electro-mechanical products. On Monday, a train carrying 21 cold 146 Selected Analysis

chain containers of fruits and vegetables departed from China's Yuxi city to Laos' Vientiane, marking the establishment of a cold chain logistic channel between the two friendly countries.

It is not hard to assess the promising outlook of the railway and how it will boost Laos' economic cooperation with China, as well as with other neighboring countries, including Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

The other crucial significance is that the railway linkage has demonstrated the trend of regional economies enhancing interconnectivity. Under the BRI framework, countries and regions have inked over 2,000 cooperative projects, which have offered the best answer for whether cooperating with China is beneficial or risky.

It is not saying that all projects will go smoothly without any setbacks, but the West will not pass any chance to tell the "debt trap" story again and again, even though the effect has been diminishing.

Frankly speaking, cross border transport connection projects usually take massive investments and come with longer return cycles. It takes elaborate planning and continuous maintenances, and be in the red in short term is common, especially in the early stages of project operation.

This is exactly one of the major reasons why the US and other Western developed nations unable to outcompete China in delivering such projects. Their capital seeks the shortest return cycles, and more importantly, the real goal behind their vilification of BRI is to contain the growth of China.

Laos and other nations cooperating with China know clearly which path delivers real benefits to them and will not be manipulated by the lies or rhetoric cooked up by the US and its allies. Instead of keep attempting to drive a wedge between China and others, the West may do better to come up with real plans to help the growth of the developing nations.

Written by: Hui Qing Source: Global Times Published: 29 December 2021 The author is an editor with the Global Times.

147 Selected Analysis

ARCID CHINA UPDATE SERIES 1. ARCID China Update Volume 1, No. 1 (January-June 2018) 2. ARCID China Update Volume 1, No. 2 (July-December 2018) 3. ARCID China Update Volume 2, No. 1 (January-June 2019) 4. ARCID China Update Volume 2, No. 2 (July-December 2019) 5. ARCID China Update Volume 3, No. 1 (January-June 2020) 6. ARCID China Update Volume 3, No. 2 (July-December 2020) 7. ARCID China Update Volume 4, No. 1 (January-June 2021) 8. ARCID China Update Volume 4, No. 2 (July-December 2021)

All enquiries for the ARCID China Update should be sent to the following address: ASIAN RESEARCH CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (ARCID) School of Social Innovation, Mae Fah Luang University 333 Moo 1, Thasud, Muang, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand Tel : +66 5391 7137 Email : arcid.social-innovation.school@mfu.ac.th, Website: https://socialinnovation.mfu.ac.th/social-main/social-arcid/arcidindex.html Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ARCIDTHAILAND

148 Selected Analysis

ISSN 2630-0885