China warns US not to provoke confrontation as it pushes to boost ties with Southeast Asia

Washington recently unveiled a US$150 million package for the region, including an initiative to promote a ‘free and open’ Indo-Pacific

Beijing said it welcomed positive engagement with the region and deepen cooperation

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Leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations with President Joe Biden outside the White House. Photo: AP

Published: 11:00pm, 13 May 2022Updated: 11:20pm, 13 May 2022

China called on the United States to meet the needs of Asean countries by promoting peace and cooperation rather than engaging in bloc confrontations following Washington’s announcement it would expand ties with the region.

The United States offered more than US$150 million to members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as the US-Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit began in Washington on Thursday.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said China welcomes any initiative that promotes long-term sustainable development and common prosperity in the region.

He added that China and Asean do not engage in “zero-sum games” and do not promote bloc confrontation.

“What I want to say is that China and the US are both Asia-Pacific countries and can have a common circle of friends. The key is to listen to the voices of Asia-Pacific countries to maintain peace, and deepen cooperation,” Zhao said, urging the US to play a positive and constructive role.

Zhao also said China and Asean countries will hold face-to-face consultations about a code of conduct for the South China Sea in Cambodia later this month.

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