Resources for China–ASEAN Relations: October 2020 to December 2020

Abstract

Resources for China–ASEAN RelationsOctober 2020 to December 2020 Chen Juan (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 CHINA–ASEAN RELATIONS OCTOBER 2020 TO DECEMBER 2020: CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS OCTOBER 2020 3rd Chinese President Xi Jinping and Singapore President Halimah Yacob, and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong exchange congratulatory messages to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of China–Singapore diplomatic relations. Both sides express readiness to advance and deepen cooperation in various fields. 9th Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan meet in Tengchong city, Yunnan province. Both sides discuss their cooperation amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and exchange views on international and regional issues of common concern. 10th Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi holds talks with Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Lopez Locsin also in Tengchong city, Yunnan. They agree to establish a "fast-track lane" for essential personnel exchanges. Both sides note their accumulation of experience in handling the South China Sea issue, and the Philippines side also expresses willingness to support companies of both countries in joint oil and gas development based on the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation on Oil and Gas Development signed earlier. 11th–12th Chinese State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi makes an official visit to Cambodia and meets with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong and Foreign Affairs Minister Prak Sokhonn. Both sides sign the Cambodia–China free trade agreement and two cooperation documents. 12th–13th Chinese State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi makes an official visit to Malaysia. He calls on Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and holds talks with Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein. The two sides agree to develop a Memorandum of Understanding on COVID-19 related mutual support and to establish a High-Level Committee on Malaysia–China Post Pandemic Cooperation. They also look forward to the inking of the Agreement on Cooperation in Vaccine Development and Accessibility by both governments. 14th Chinese State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi makes an official visit to Laos and meets with Laotian President Bounnhang Vorachit, Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith. China and Laos jointly announce the launch of the "fast lane" for personnel exchanges and agree to set up a "green lane" for logistics. They also sign a series of cooperation documents. 14th–15th Chinese State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi meets Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai during his official visit to Thailand. Both sides exchange congratulations on their 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations. They note the need to expedite the conclusion of the "fast track" arrangement for essential short-term business travel, and also consider establishing a "green lane" to facilitate cross-border flow of goods. 20th The ASEAN–China Young Leaders Scholarship (ACYLS) holds its opening ceremony online to welcome its second batch of scholars. For the 2020 academic year, 37 scholars have begun their higher education in various Chinese institutions. Launched in 2019, the ACYLS is an education cooperation initiative funded through the ASEAN–China Cooperation Fund. 21st The 12th Meeting of the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry is held online. The meeting reaffirms the commitment to ensure sustainable food sources and stable food prices through the APT Emergency Rice Reserve and ASEAN Food Security Information System. The ministers also note the serious threat of Fall Armyworm to agriculture and food security of the region, thus encouraging member states to support the implementation of the ASEAN Action Plan on Fall Armyworm (2020–2025). 28th The 11th ASEAN Plus Three Labour Ministers Meeting is convened virtually. In support of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, the meeting adopted the five-year priorities of APT cooperation on labour for the 2021–25 period. Views are exchanged...