The 44th ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting kicked off in Siem Reap city, Cambodia, on Monday. This meeting is of great significance to the development and stability of Southeast Asia.

The West has paid much less attention to this meeting than the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting held more than a month ago. The Western countries’ coldness to this meeting and interest in the South China Sea issue clearly show their concerns.

In contrast, China actively participates in the meeting and organizes a series of exhibitions and seminars to promote trade and economic development of the region.

The China-ASEAN Free Trade Area was established in 2010. ASEAN replaced Japan as China’s third-largest trade partner in 2011. China has been the largest trade partner of ASEAN for the last three years. When ASEAN builds its economic community in 2015, China will initiate the Duty-free trade with 10 ASEAN members.

China’s cooperation with ASEAN also inspires the United States, EU members and India to increase their input in this region. It is another testimony to China’s contribution to Southeast Asia.

China will continue its cooperation with ASEAN and will not struggle for so-called leadership in the region with the other countries. China’s relations with ASEAN are based on mutual benefit, trust and respect. It will stand the test of time and further promote regional peace and stability.