Core Points - The 25th China-ASEAN (10+1) Leaders' Meeting was held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, attended by leaders from ASEAN member states and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang [4][6] - Li Keqiang emphasized the importance of open cooperation to address common challenges, highlighting the strategic partnership between China and ASEAN [4][6] - The meeting resulted in several joint declarations aimed at enhancing cooperation in various sectors, including sustainable development and food security [7] Group 1: Strategic Cooperation - Li Keqiang proposed further consolidating development cooperation consensus and enhancing practical cooperation through the implementation of the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Action Plan [4][5] - China will establish a special loan for China-ASEAN joint development and increase cooperation in post-pandemic recovery [5][6] - The meeting highlighted the successful implementation of over 160 important cooperation agreements in the past decade, with a compliance rate exceeding 99.5% [6] Group 2: Economic and Trade Relations - China and ASEAN have become each other's largest trading partners, with trade continuing to grow despite the pandemic [5][7] - The formal launch of negotiations for the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 is seen as an opportunity to enhance the quality and level of trade and investment cooperation [5][7] - The meeting discussed the establishment of an investment cooperation fund to support major projects in infrastructure and energy resources [5] Group 3: Regional Stability and Security - The leaders acknowledged the importance of the South China Sea and the effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea over the past 20 years [6][7] - The meeting welcomed the progress made in the negotiations for the South China Sea Code of Conduct and emphasized the need for mutual respect in addressing related issues [6][7] - ASEAN leaders expressed appreciation for China's contributions to regional stability and cooperation, particularly in combating the pandemic [7]

Core Viewpoint - The meeting between Wang Yi and ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hoh emphasizes the deepening cooperation between China and ASEAN, highlighting the importance of regional stability, free trade, and collaborative efforts in addressing regional issues [1][2][3] Group 1: Cooperation Areas - China and ASEAN should focus on three main areas of cooperation: maintaining free trade and multilateral trade systems, effectively implementing the South China Sea Code of Conduct, and jointly safeguarding regional peace and stability [2] - The emphasis on resisting unilateralism and upholding WTO rules is crucial for ensuring the integrity of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership [2] - The need for a collaborative approach to the South China Sea issues, including the completion of the South China Sea Code of Conduct negotiations, is highlighted [2] Group 2: Regional Stability - The recent border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand raises concerns about regional stability, with a call for a calm and constructive approach to resolving such issues [2] - The historical context of colonialism is acknowledged as a root cause of current tensions, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and political solutions [2] - ASEAN's role in mediating conflicts and promoting dialogue is supported, with China expressing its willingness to contribute positively to de-escalation efforts [2][3] Group 3: Future Cooperation - The 2026 milestone for the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and ASEAN is seen as an opportunity to enhance strategic alignment and practical cooperation across various fields [3] - The commitment to accelerate negotiations on the South China Sea Code of Conduct is reiterated, reflecting a mutual interest in maintaining regional peace and stability [3] - ASEAN's central role in regional cooperation and community building is acknowledged, with gratitude expressed for China's support in these efforts [3]

Core Viewpoint - The South China Sea should be framed around peace, stability, and cooperation rather than conflict and confrontation, as emphasized by Wang Yi during the East Asia Cooperation Foreign Ministers' meeting [1][2] Group 1: South China Sea Stability - Regional countries are increasingly confident about the stability of the South China Sea, contrasting with the concerns raised by a few external nations [1] - The South China Sea is described as stable compared to other maritime regions, with no issues regarding freedom of navigation and overflight [1] Group 2: South China Sea Code of Conduct - China and ASEAN countries agree to upgrade the "Code of Conduct in the South China Sea" to ensure it is effective, substantive, and compliant with international law, aiming for completion by next year [2] - There will be increased frequency and acceleration of consultations regarding the Code of Conduct [2] Group 3: Position on Arbitration - The so-called "South China Sea arbitration case" is criticized for serious flaws in fact-finding and legal application, undermining regional peace and order [2] - Questions are raised about the implications of allowing forced arbitration on diplomatic efforts and bilateral negotiations [2] - The arbitration is characterized as a political maneuver that should be disregarded historically [2]

Core Viewpoint - The discussions at the East Asia Cooperation Foreign Ministers' Meeting highlighted a growing consensus among regional countries regarding the South China Sea, emphasizing peace, stability, and cooperation over conflict and tension [1][2] Group 1: South China Sea Stability - Regional countries, particularly in the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, expressed increasing confidence in the stability of the South China Sea, contrasting with the more critical stance of some external nations [1] - The narrative surrounding the South China Sea should shift from one of friction and conflict to one of peace and cooperation, which is being actively pursued by China and ASEAN countries [1] Group 2: South China Sea Code of Conduct - China and ASEAN countries agreed to upgrade the "Code of Conduct in the South China Sea" to ensure it is effective, substantive, and compliant with international law, aiming for completion by next year [2] - The negotiation process for the Code of Conduct will intensify, reflecting a commitment to maintaining stability in the South China Sea and minimizing external interference [2] Group 3: South China Sea Arbitration Case - The Chinese position on the so-called "South China Sea arbitration case" was reiterated, highlighting its serious flaws in fact-finding and legal application, and questioning the legitimacy of forced arbitration under the guise of international law [2] - The arbitration case is viewed as a political maneuver that undermines regional peace and stability, and it is suggested that it should be dismissed as a historical anomaly [2]

Core Viewpoint - The South China Sea arbitration case is characterized as a political manipulation that should be discarded into the annals of history [1] Group 1: South China Sea Code of Conduct - China and ASEAN countries agree to upgrade the "Code of Conduct in the South China Sea" to ensure it is effective, substantive, and compliant with international law [1] - There is a collective aim to achieve the "Code of Conduct" by next year, with increased negotiation frequency and accelerated progress [1] - Confidence is expressed in maintaining stability in the South China Sea and eliminating external interference to foster a peaceful and cooperative maritime environment [1] Group 2: Position on Arbitration - The Chinese side's stance on the so-called "South China Sea arbitration case" was clarified, emphasizing it as a political maneuver [1] - The assertion is made that the arbitration case should be relegated to historical irrelevance [1]

Core Points - The East Asia Cooperation Foreign Ministers' Meeting was successfully held, showcasing strong support and cooperation among China and ASEAN countries in the face of unilateralism and protectionism [1] - A significant outcome was the completion of negotiations for the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0, with plans to submit it for approval at the leaders' meeting in October [1] - An action plan for the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for the next five years was agreed upon, outlining cooperation in over 40 areas [1] - The completion of the third reading of the South China Sea Code of Conduct negotiations was welcomed, with a goal to finalize it by 2026 [1] Summary by Categories Economic Cooperation - The completion of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 negotiations signals a commitment to advancing regional economic integration and establishing a high-level regional free trade network [1] - The action plan for the next five years aims to enhance cooperation across more than 40 fields, injecting strong momentum into practical collaboration [1] Regional Stability - The agreement on the South China Sea Code of Conduct aims to provide stronger guarantees for peace and stability in the region, with a target to finalize negotiations by 2026 [1]

Core Viewpoint - The international seminar "South China Sea: History and Reality" held in Beijing emphasized China's historical and legal claims over the South China Sea islands, rejecting the validity of the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling, and calling for regional cooperation to maintain peace and stability in the area [1][2]. Group 1 - The seminar was attended by over 150 experts and representatives from more than 10 countries, discussing topics such as post-World War II international order and sovereignty over the South China Sea islands [1]. - Wu Shicun, Chairman of the Academic Committee of the South China Sea Research Institute, stated that China's sovereignty over the South China Sea is supported by historical and legal evidence, and the 2016 arbitration ruling is invalid due to jurisdictional overreach and legal errors [1][2]. - Li Guoqiang, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of History, highlighted that international treaties post-World War II confirm China's sovereignty over the South China Sea, and called for enhanced mutual trust among regional parties to create a peaceful maritime community [2]. Group 2 - The seminar was co-hosted by the South China Sea Research Institute and the Huayang Ocean Research Center, with participation from diplomats of various countries and international organizations [2]. - Attendees reiterated that the South China Sea arbitration tribunal acted beyond its authority and that its ruling contradicts international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea [2]. - The need to expedite negotiations on the "South China Sea Code of Conduct" was emphasized to manage differences and maintain regional stability [1][2].

Group 1 - The 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting highlighted the strengthening of ties between ASEAN countries and China, with a focus on economic cooperation and regional stability [1][3][4] - Wang Yi emphasized the importance of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 and the high-quality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), aiming for a new height in trade relations [3][4] - The bilateral trade volume between China and ASEAN is projected to reach $982.3 billion in 2024, marking five consecutive years of being each other's largest trading partners [3] Group 2 - ASEAN countries are seeking to deepen relationships with trade partners, particularly China, in response to new U.S. tariff policies [4] - The South China Sea and denuclearization issues were significant topics during the meeting, with ASEAN calling for a prudent approach to disputes [4][5] - Wang Yi's commitment to sign the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty Protocol reflects China's leadership and commitment to regional nuclear disarmament [5]