China–ASEAN Relations April 2019 to June 2019: Chronology of Events
- China–ASEAN Relations April 2019 to June 2019:Chronology of Events
As a research institute based in Singapore, the EAI monitors developments in relations and interactions between China and the individual countries of Southeast Asia as well as the ASEAN grouping as a whole. This material is presented in the form of (i) a chronology of events and (ii) important documents.
—the Editors
APRIL 2019
1st–3rd Thailand's Ministry of Interior (Department of Provincial Administration) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs host the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Symposium on "Strengthening Demographic Policy Cooperation" in Bangkok. The symposium invites scholars and officials from the APT countries to share their problems and experiences in dealing with demographic problems. The issues discussed include the ageing phenomenon, social policies and ways to track demographic changes through digitalisation.
4th Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with Thailand's Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in Beijing. Princess Sirindhorn expresses appreciation to China for providing Thailand with assistance in education, science and technology and poverty alleviation in remote areas of the country. Both sides acknowledge the Thai royal family's effort in promoting friendly bilateral ties.
9th The 20th ASEAN–China Joint Cooperation Committee meeting, held at the ASEAN Secretariat, witnesses ASEAN and China reaffirming their commitments to further strengthen their strategic partnership. The meeting applauds the significant progress that has been made in the [End Page 200] implementation of the ASEAN–China Plan of Action 2016–2020. Both sides also agree to further strengthen trade and investment relations, as well as to enhance connectivity. The meeting also discusses activities to be conducted during the ASEAN–China Year of Media Exchange 2019.
11th Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean visits China and meets with Yang Jiechi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and Zhao Leji, secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. The Chinese side expresses readiness to cooperate with Singapore on areas including economy, trade, finance, law enforcement and security, social governance, talent training and anti-corruption, and hopes that Singapore will continue to play a constructive role in ASEAN–China relations. Both sides also express their satisfaction with the substantive exchanges on leadership development and mutually beneficial cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, especially through the China–Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity-New International Land–Sea Trade Corridor (CCI-ILSTC).
16th Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou and Malaysia's Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dato Sri Muhammad Shahrul Ikram Yaakob co-chair the fourth round of China–Malaysia Strategic Consultation in Beijing. The two sides exchange views on bilateral relations, ASEAN–China relations, South China Sea issues, and the reform of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations Security Council. Dato Sri Muhammad Shahrul Ikram Yaakob also holds a separate meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
24th Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi receives Brunei's Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Dato Seri Paduka Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof in Beijing, who is accompanying Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah for the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (hereafter the Forum). Both sides sign a memorandum of understanding on cooperation, and Brunei expresses willingness to discuss maritime cooperation with China. It is noted that Brunei is the first country to discuss joint maritime development with China. The Chinese side attaches great importance to the construction of the East ASEAN Growth Area and looks forward to working with the Bruneian side to promote the upgrade of the cooperation between China and the East ASEAN Growth Area.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with Thailand's Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai, who is accompanying Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha at the Forum. The Thai side is willing to further integrate the "Ayeyawady–Chao Phraya–Mekong Economic Cooperation [End Page 201] Strategy" with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and enhance cooperation with China in the digital economy, smart cities and other fields. China stands ready to work with the Thai side to continue to promote the development of key projects such...
