Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the importance of maintaining communication and coordination with Russia to promote regional peace and stability in East Asia. This statement comes amid increasing international turbulence and was made during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at an ASEAN summit in Laos on Thursday.
Promoting Regional Peace
During the meeting, Wang Yi highlighted China’s readiness to collaborate closely with Russia to support each other and protect their core interests. He stated, “China is ready to work with Russia to firmly support each other and safeguard each other’s core interests,” according to a statement from China’s foreign ministry on Friday.
Russia’s Commitment
Lavrov affirmed Russia’s commitment to work with China in supporting ASEAN centrality and preventing interference by external forces. “Russia will work with China to support ASEAN centrality and prevent sabotage and interference by foreign forces,” Lavrov said, according to the statement.
Broader Regional Context
In addition to the bilateral meeting, Wang Yi participated in a trilateral meeting with the foreign ministers of China, Russia, and Laos in Vientiane. Wang noted that the world is entering a period of significant turbulence and change, with profound adjustments in the international system and a challenging global economic recovery. He emphasized that regional conflicts, instability, uncertainty, and unpredictability are pervasive.
Additional Diplomatic Engagements
Wang Yi is also engaging in diplomatic efforts to ease tensions with India over a longstanding border dispute. He met with India’s foreign minister on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit. Further, he is expected to meet with Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoko Kamikawa on Friday and will attend several ASEAN meetings through Saturday.
With Inputs from Reuters
