CHINESE Premier Li Qiang said in Jakarta, Indonesia, yesterday that as long as China and ASEAN countries can keep to the right path, whatever storms may come, their cooperation will be as firm as ever and press ahead against all odds.

In his opening remarks addressing the 26th China-ASEAN Summit, Li said that the China-ASEAN cooperation has come a long way, thanks to their keen understanding about hardships.

China and ASEAN countries have been committed to the unwavering pursuit of peace with a strong aspiration for development, and both take real actions to safeguard regional stability, he added.

On Tuesday, Li highlighted China’s support for the central position of ASEAN in regional cooperation, saying that China is willing to work with all parties to make East Asia an important engine for global development.

Li made the remarks in a written speech after his arrival in Jakarta on an official visit. He emphasized that Beijing firmly supports ASEAN in playing a greater role in international affairs.

China is ready to exchange views with all parties on major issues concerning regional cooperation, strengthening unity, sharing development opportunities and addressing challenges, Li said.

China is willing to work with Indonesia to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and build a closer China-Indonesia community with a shared future, he said.

This is Li’s first visit to an Asian country since he became Chinese premier in March, and also coincides with the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Indonesia.

Addressing a welcoming reception hosted by the China-Indonesia business community, Li said that he is coming for development, peace, friendship and cooperation.

Noting that the development of bilateral relations serves as a guiding example for regional prosperity and stability, the premier said that over the years, China-Indonesia cooperation has transcended the bilateral scope and now enjoys broad consensus and common interests at both regional and global levels.

Li emphasized that opening-up is China’s fundamental national policy, which will remain unchanged. The Chinese Government will steadily expand institutional opening-up in terms of rules, regulations, management and standards, further relax market access in select sectors, enhance intellectual property right protection, and build a market-oriented, law-based and world-class business environment, he added.

(Xinhua, China Daily)