Resources for China–ASEAN Relations

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 JULY 2020 TO SEPTEMBER 2020: CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS

JULY 2020

1st	The 26th ASEAN–China Senior Officials' Consultation, held via videoconference, reaffirms the importance of their strategic partnership. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Quoc Dung, representing the ASEAN chair, and Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Chen Xiaodong, representing China, co-chair the meeting. Both sides note the achievements in the implementation of the ASEAN–China Plan of Action (2016–20) in areas such as political security cooperation, trade, tourism, information and communication technology (ICT) and smart cities. China has proposed many initiatives to deal specifically with the Covid-19 situation, such as tapping the ASEAN–China cooperation fund for collaborative response activities; organising ASEAN–China health cooperation forums; and establishing safe corridors between China and ASEAN countries. To commemorate the 30th anniversary of ASEAN–China relations in 2021, the ASEAN–China strategic partnership will be upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Both ASEAN and China agree to complete developing the ASEAN–China Plan of Action for the 2021–25 period to outline the priorities for cooperation in the new post-Covid 19 circumstances. Both ASEAN and China aim to sign the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) this year and effectively execute the Protocol to Amend the ASEAN–China Free Trade Area (ACFTA). ASEAN and China have also reaffirmed their commitment to fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and resume negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC). Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha exchange messages on the 45th anniversary of the establishment of China–Thailand diplomatic relations. China is ready to work with Thailand to step up cooperation in their Covid-19 response, pursue high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and contribute to the economic recovery and sustainable development of China, Thailand and ASEAN. Thailand also vows to cooperate with China to elevate the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to new heights.
16th	Transport ministers of the ASEAN member states and China convene online to conduct the ASEAN–China Transport Ministers' Special Meeting on Covid-19. The ministers recognise that transport and logistics play important roles in response to the pandemic, ensuring unimpeded passage for cross-border movement of essential goods, including food, vital medicines and medical supplies, critical agricultural products, and other vital goods and services. Both sides also encourage the relevant authorities to continue extending the validity period of ship and crew certificates to avoid disruptions. Exchange of information, knowledge and best practices will be stepped up to enhance the capability of pandemic control at land border crossings, seaports and airports. In accordance with national circumstances, both sides will gradually lift travel restrictions while respecting health precautions to ensure transport connectivity, and stability of global supply, industrial and value chains. Participants of the Jakarta Forum on Exploring the ASEAN–China Partnership on Blue Economy convene online to exchange ideas on topics such as connotation, principles and fields of cooperation in the blue economy. Deputy Director/ASEAN Political-Security Community Shivakumar Nair proposes three key principles that would guide ASEAN–China discussions on blue economy cooperation, namely the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, connectivity, and maritime safety and security.
20th	The ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Senior Officials' Meeting is held virtually. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui attends the meeting along with representatives of ASEAN member states, Japan and Korea. They exchange views on the priorities of future cooperation as well as international and regional issues of common interest. China criticises the United States for seeking unilateralism and for curbing China's development on all fronts. Furthermore, China also expresses its firm opposition to the United States' South China Sea statement issued a week earlier. The statement attempts to deny China's sovereignty and maritime...