JAKARTA - Chinese Embassy in Jakarta on Tuesday presented the Instrument of Ratification of the Third Protocol Amending the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) to ASEAN, a press statement from the ASEAN Secretariat said here.

Counsellor Wang Jinfeng, director of the Office of ASEAN Affairs from Chinese Embassy highlighted that China was the first ASEAN Dialogue Partner to accede to the TAC and is committed to developing strategic partnership for peace and prosperity with ASEAN.

"China firmly supports the leading role of ASEAN in East Asia cooperation," said Wang.

Sayakane Sisouvong, deputy secretary-general of ASEAN for ASEAN Political-Security Community, said that China's ratification of the Third Protocol signifies its strong support for ASEAN to ensure a durable peace and stability, as well as to continue playing an important role to create a environment conducive for cooperation in Southeast Asia and beyond.

The protocol will enter into force following the ratification by all TAC signatories.