Chronology of Events: October 2022 to December 2022

Abstract

Chronology of Events:October 2022 to December 2022 Ryan Ho (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) a list of important documents. —the Editors CHINA–ASEAN RELATIONS OCTOBER 2022 TO DECEMBER 2022: CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS OCTOBER 2022 1st–3rd The 37th Meeting of the ASEAN–China Joint Working Group on the Implementation of the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) takes place in Cambodia. The two sides affirm the importance of peace, security, stability and freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. They also emphasise the exercise of self-restraint, avoidance of actions that may complicate the situation and the resolution of all disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). 26th Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with diplomatic envoys of the ASEAN countries in Beijing. The diplomatic envoys warmly congratulate China on the success of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and express enthusiasm to seize the new opportunities presented by the Chinese path to modernisation to promote mutual benefits and win-win results in the Asia-Pacific region. [End Page 204] NOVEMBER 2022 1st Chinese Premier Li Keqiang meets with the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong, who is on an official visit to China. Li points out that China is ready to import more agricultural products from Vietnam and to ensure unimpeded trade at border ports between the countries. Trong emphasises strengthening the Vietnam–China relationship that features comradeship, so as to better benefit both sides with tangible cooperation results. 1st–2nd Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng visits Singapore and with Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat co-chairs the 18th China–Singapore Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation Meeting, the 23rd China–Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park Joint Steering Council Meeting, the 14th China–Singapore Tianjin Eco-City Joint Steering Council Meeting and the Sixth China–Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity Joint Steering Council Meeting. Both sides agree to further deepen cooperation on such projects as the Suzhou Industrial Park, Tianjin Eco-City, the Chongqing connectivity project, the Guangzhou Knowledge City and the Singapore–China (Shenzhen) Smart City Initiative. There are also plans to build the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, expedite negotiations on upgrading the China–Singapore free trade agreement, implement the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership at a high level, boost people-to-people and cultural exchanges and cooperation, and nurture leadership-building to enhance governance systems and capabilities to meet development needs. As a summary, Han and Heng jointly announce 19 important outcomes in green development, digital economy and connectivity between China and Singapore. 8th–13th Chinese Premier Li Keqiang visits Cambodia to attend a series of meetings with ASEAN leaders on East Asia cooperation. Li attends the 25th ASEAN–China Summit, the 25th ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Summit and the 17th East Asia Summit. 9th Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen holds bilateral talks with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the Peace Palace, Phnom Penh. Both sides have an in-depth exchange of views on international and regional issues of mutual interest and concern, and issue a joint communiqué. Following the talks, Li and Hun Sen witness the signing of over 10 bilateral cooperation documents covering agriculture, infrastructure, education, traditional Chinese medicine, customs, science and technology, climate change response and other fields. Also at the Peace Palace, they officially inaugurate the Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville Expressway, which was constructed under the Belt and Road Initiative, in a symbolic ceremony and conduct a handover of supporting livelihood projects. 11th The 25th ASEAN–China Summit is chaired by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and attended by the leaders of ASEAN member states and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. Li, in his speech, calls for enhancing cooperation with ASEAN countries and jointly maintaining regional peace...