Wang Yi: This year's series of foreign ministers' meetings on East Asia cooperation went smoothly and achieved a series of positive results

On July 12, 2025, after attending the annual series of foreign ministers' meetings on East Asia cooperation in Kuala Lumpur, Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, gave an interview to Chinese media. Wang Yi said: This year's series of foreign ministers' meetings on East Asia cooperation have been held very smoothly, especially the atmosphere of the China-ASEAN 10 + 1 foreign ministers' meeting is very friendly and harmonious. Against the background of the current rampant unilateralism and protectionism, China and ASEAN countries have shown a strong desire to support each other, unite and cooperate to meet challenges together. The meeting achieved a series of positive results: First, the two sides confirmed the completion of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 consultation, and agreed to submit it to the leaders' meeting held in October this year for approval and signature, clearly sending a clear signal that we will continue to promote regional economic integration and continue to build a high-level regional free trade network. Second, the two sides agreed on the action plan for the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership in the next five years, clarifying the goals and tasks of China-ASEAN all-round cooperation in more than 40 fields in the next five years, injecting strong impetus into the practical cooperation in various fields between the two sides in the next stage. Third, the two sides welcomed the conclusion of the third reading of the consultations on the "Code of Conduct in the South China Sea", and agreed to strive to complete the consultations within 2026 and reach an effective, substantive "code" in line with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which will provide a stronger guarantee for peace and stability in the South China Sea.