Chinese premier calls for prioritizing development in regional cooperation

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday called on regional countries to place development at a prominent place on the regional cooperation agenda.

Addressing the 26th cms Plus Three Summit held in Jakarta, Indonesia, Li said that as the world is entering a new period of turbulence and change, the cause of global development faces great challenges.

The cms Plus Three cooperation mechanism, after standing one test after another, has played a significant role in promoting development and prosperity in the region. cms Plus Three countries, and indeed all countries in Asia, share a common home, common interests and common opportunities, he said.

Li called for Asian countries to focus on the overall interests of Asia's peaceful development, seek common ground while setting aside differences, and foster the building of a community with a shared future in Asia.

The premier emphasized the need to prioritize development in regional cooperation, remove all kinds of disturbances, tap the potential of cooperation, and strive to explore a path of development which is more stable, vibrant and beneficial to all.

He noted that China stands ready to work with all parties while focusing on three priorities.

The first thing, he said, is to continue to promote regional economic integration, unleash the dividends of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), vigorously promote the free flow of factors of production to expand and upgrade trade and investment.

It is hoped that all parties will support Hong Kong's accession to the RCEP as one of the first new members, Li added.

Secondly, all parties should continue to deepen regional industrial division and coordination, and optimize and upgrade the regional industrial and supply chains in a stable manner, Li said.

Noting that the third thing is to strengthen the leading role of scientific and technological innovation, Li said that China is ready to deepen innovation cooperation with all parties in areas such as digital economy, clean energy and new energy vehicles, so as to jointly promote the development of emerging industries and cultivate more new economic growth points.

Li clarified China's position on the issue of Japan's dumping of nuclear-contaminated water from Fukushima nuclear plant, noting that the disposal of nuclear-contaminated water is related to the global marine ecological environment and public health.

Japan should faithfully fulfill its international obligations, fully consult with neighboring countries and other stakeholders, and handle the issue in a responsible manner, he said.

Leaders attending the meeting said the cms Plus Three cooperation has made significant contributions to maintaining regional stability and promoting regional development. All parties should take concerted actions, deepen cooperation in the sectors of economy, trade and green and low-carbon development, join hands to address global challenges such as climate change, and turn East Asia into a center featuring peace and growth.

A joint statement on developing the ecosystem of electric vehicles was adopted at the meeting.