Dear Colleagues,
世界正處于深刻復(fù)雜的變化之中
The world is undergoing profound and complex changes. The international financial crisis has entered its fourth year, and the current global economic and financial scene still gives no reason for optimism. Economic recovery in some developed countries lacks momentum, and those countries are plagued by serious financial and debt crises. Emerging and developing countries are ascending on the world stage, but taken as a whole, they are still not strong enough. Social turbulence has erupted in west Asia and north Africa. Global food, energy and environment challenges pose a growing threat to the sustainable development of mankind. The global economy may experience uncertainty and instability for a long time to come.[qh]
當(dāng)前,東亞保持經(jīng)濟(jì)較快增長和社會(huì)穩(wěn)定,是全球最富有活力和潛力的地區(qū),東盟和中國為此作出了重要貢獻(xiàn),贏得國際社會(huì)廣泛認(rèn)可和高度關(guān)注
With sustained and rapid economic growth and social stability, East Asia is the most dynamic region in the world with the greatest potential for development, and ASEAN and China have won wide international recognition and attracted much attention for their important contribution. On the other hand, we should be keenly aware that in the era of deepening globalization, no region or country can prosper on its own and be immune to external shocks, and the severe external environment is bound to exert a negative impact on East Asia. At the same time, the weak links and problems in China and ASEAN will hinder our efforts to enhance our competitiveness. We should be both confident and sober-minded, seize opportunities to enhance cooperation and jointly tackle challenges. And we should keep our destiny firmly in our own hands and do not slacken pace or waver in our advance in the direction we have set for ourselves to pursue our goal. To promote the future growth of China-ASEAN relations, it is important that we observe the following principles:[qh]
第一,加強(qiáng)戰(zhàn)略溝通和戰(zhàn)略互信
First, we should enhance strategic consultation and mutual trust. China will never seek hegemony and is opposed to all hegemonic acts. We are committed to a policy of building good-neighborly relations and partnership with our neighboring countries, and we abide by the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. The disputes over the South China Sea between the relevant countries in the region have existed for many years. They should be settled through friendly consultation and negotiation between the sovereign states directly concerned. Outside forces should not get involved under any excuse. In 2002, China and ASEAN countries signed the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and agreed to advance practical cooperation and work for the final conclusion of a code of conduct. This is the common desire of ASEAN countries and China. We stand ready to work actively with ASEAN countries to fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, enhance practical cooperation and begin discussions on a code of conduct in the South China Sea.[qh]
第二,把促進(jìn)經(jīng)濟(jì)發(fā)展和社會(huì)進(jìn)步作為第一要?jiǎng)?wù)
Second, we should pursue economic development and social progress as a top priority. Both China and ASEAN countries are in a crucial stage of development. We should better coordinate development strategies, draw on mutual strengths and promote cooperation in more fields and at a higher level. We should enhance self-generating dynamism to speed up economic development, make life better for our peoples and advance the modernization drive to achieve full prosperity in East Asia.[qh]
第三,堅(jiān)持由東盟主導(dǎo)東亞合作進(jìn)程
Third, we should adhere to ASEAN centrality in promoting East Asian cooperation. China supports ASEAN integration and community building and welcomes a stronger and more influential ASEAN. We are confident that ASEAN is fully capable of leading East Asian cooperation. China will open a permanent mission to ASEAN next year. We will continue to support ASEAN and work with it, and we will continue to take 10+1 as the foundation, 10+3 as the main vehicle and the East Asia Summit as an important supplement in pursuing East Asian cooperation.[qh]
第四,在多邊領(lǐng)域維護(hù)共同利益
Fourth, we should uphold our common interests in the multilateral field. As developing countries in the same region, we hold similar positions and views, face the same situations and challenges, and pursue the same goals on many key issues. China and ASEAN are both strategic forces for peace and development. We need to closely coordinate our positions and work to build a fair and equitable new international political and economic order.