Boosting ties with ‘good neighbours’ in Asean top priority, Chinese defence minister says
Chang Wanquan tells counterparts that China sees Southeast Asian nations as ‘good friends’ that can ‘prosper and endure shared threats together’
China’s defence minister told a meeting with his Asean counterparts that improving ties in Southeast Asia was a top priority for Beijing, calling on the two sides to tackle obstacles in the way of better relations.
Chang Wanquan, who is also a State Councillor, made the remarks on Tuesday at an informal meeting with defence ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Singapore, according to a statement from the ministry on Thursday.
“China regards Asean members as good neighbours, good friends and good partners that can ... prosper and endure shared threats together,” Chang told the ministers.
The meeting wrapped up on Wednesday with Singapore’s defence ministry announcing that Asean and China would hold their first maritime military exercise at the end of this year.
The two sides agreed to hold a “table-top exercise” – simulating an emergency situation – in China, possibly in October, Kyodo reported. That would be followed by a field training drill in the waters of an Asean member, possibly the Philippines, in late November or December.