China–ASEAN Relations April 2017 to June 2017: Chronology of Events

Abstract

China–ASEAN Relations April 2017 to June 2017: Chronology of Events Juan Chen (bio) As a research institute based in Singapore, the EAI monitors developments in relations and interactions between China and the individual countries of Southeast Asia as well as the ASEAN grouping as a whole. This material is presented in the form of (i) a chronology of events and (ii) important documents. —the Editors APRIL 2017 10th Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw, who is on a six-day state visit to China from 6 to 11 April at the invitation of Xi. The leaders issue a joint press communique that agrees to make use of the China–Myanmar Diplomacy and Defense “2+2” Consultation to jointly safeguard security, the rule of law, peace and stability in border areas. Both sides sign nine cooperative documents covering economy, technology, medical care, sports, transportation, forestry, cultural relics and other areas. According to Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin, one of the collaborations is on a crude oil pipeline that would stretch from Kyaukpyu port in Myanmar to Kunming city in Yunnan province, and the other is on the development of an industrial park and a deep-sea port in the Kyaukpyu Special Economic Zone. The 18th Meeting of the ASEAN–China Joint Cooperation Committee is held in Jakarta and co-chaired by Permanent Representative of Singapore to ASEAN Tan Hung Seng and Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN Xu Bu. The meeting highlights the significant progress of cooperation in achieving US$1 trillion in ASEAN–China total trade target by 2020, and in the launch of ASEAN–China Year of Tourism Cooperation in March. ASEAN also recognises China’s contribution to ASEAN’s community-building by supporting activities and projects through the ASEAN–China Cooperation Fund. Both sides have reaffirmed commitment to improve the implementation process of projects and to advance cooperation in the coming years. 13th–16th The 2017 China–ASEAN Expo Culture Exhibition, organised by China–ASEAN Expo Secretariat, is held in Nanning, Guangxi. The event aims to promote exchanges and foster mutual understanding among ASEAN youths through theatrical performances and art. 17th The 10th Meeting of the China–Vietnam Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation is held in Beijing and co-chaired by Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi and Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh. Both sides agree to enhance high-level exchanges, and advance cooperation in areas such as joint construction of the “Belt and Road” and the “Two Corridors and One Ring”. Pham also points out the need to push negotiation mechanisms for border and territorial issues, and to re-sign their bilateral cooperation protocol. 19th Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin meet separately with visiting National Security Advisor U Thaung Tun of Myanmar. Both sides exchange views on international and regional issues of common concern. During the process, U Thaung Tun expresses willingness to work with China to strengthen cooperation and safeguard the stability in the Myanmar–China border area. 27th Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Hor Nam Hong co-chair the Fourth Meeting of China- Cambodia Intergovernmental Coordination Committee, held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Both sides agree to elevate their comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation to new highs, and to strengthen collaboration in fields such as production capacity, transportation, communication, agriculture and water conservancy. They also pledge to expand bilateral trade to US$5 billion by year end. 28th King Norodom Sihamoni and Prime Minister Hun Sen of Cambodia meet with Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi, who is in Phnom Penh to chair the Fourth Meeting of China–Cambodia Intergovernmental Coordination Committee. Yang says that China is ready to speed up the integration of the Belt and Road initiative and Cambodia’s development strategies. He also expresses support for Chinese enterprises to contribute to the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone, participate in connectivity projects and create new areas of mutually beneficial cooperation. Hun Sen describes the two countries as having unbreakable political mutual trust, and expresses his hope to elevate bilateral relations to new heights ahead of his imminent visit to China in mid May to attend...