China is stepping up its efforts to foster peace and prosperity in Southeast Asia, according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian. In a recent press briefing, Lin emphasized China's readiness to collaborate with Southeast Asian nations to deepen mutual understanding, strengthen friendly ties, and pursue shared development goals.
Lin highlighted that the exchanges between China and Southeast Asian countries have reached unprecedented levels, reflecting a collective desire for regional solidarity and cooperation. This surge in interactions underscores the robust growth of relationships between China and its neighbors.
Under the guidance of head-of-state diplomacy, both sides have achieved significant milestones in high-quality cooperation. Key infrastructure projects like the Jakarta-Bandung High-speed Railway, the China-Laos Railway, Malaysia's East Coast Rail Link, and the China-Laos-Thailand international freight train service are paving the way for enhanced connectivity and economic growth in the region.
Additionally, visa-free arrangements between China and countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Laos have yielded remarkable results. The implementation of the \"Lancang-Mekong visa\" policy further simplifies travel and strengthens people-to-people exchanges.
On the maritime front, China and Southeast Asian nations have made important strides in managing maritime differences, boosting maritime cooperation, and expediting consultations on a code of conduct in the South China Sea. These efforts aim to maintain peace and stability in one of the world's most dynamic regions.
\"Asia and the wider Asia-Pacific is the shared home of China and neighboring countries. China has all along put the neighborhood as a priority in the overall diplomacy,\" Lin added, underscoring China's commitment to regional harmony and collaborative growth.
