Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN Xu Bu told the media before the 31st ASEAN summit and related meetings began on Thursday that China expects to establish a China-ASEAN community of shared future with the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

The leaders of the 10 ASEAN countries and the bloc's dialogue partners have been in Manila for the 31st ASEAN summit, the 12th East Asia Summit and related meetings. The main topics discussed in the meetings have been strengthening regional integration, global free trade and security issues.

Xu said that next year will be the 15th anniversary of the China-ASEAN strategic partnership, and both sides take a long-term perspective to expand consensus, deepen cooperation and build a higher level China-ASEAN strategic partnership.

"China-ASEAN ties have developed into the most dynamic and enriched among ASEAN's relations with its dialogue partners," said Xu.

ASEAN's development plans are highly compatible with the objectives of China's Belt and Road Initiative, and China and ASEAN have both agreed to integrate and mutually promote the development strategies of both sides, he added.