The 11th China-ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Senior Officials Consultation held in Shanghai Friday reached a consensus deciding to further the strategic partnership between the two sides.

Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei, ASEAN Secretary-General Ong Keng Yong, and senior officials or representatives with foreign ministries from 10 ASEAN member countries attended the consultations. They exchanged views on furthering cooperation, current cooperation situation in East Asia and other international and regional issues of common concern.

During the meeting, participants discussed the implementation of the Joint Declaration for Advancing China-ASEAN Strategic Partnership, affirming that China-ASEAN relations have made positive progress.

The two sides agreed to maintain the sound momentum of China-ASEAN relations, to further consolidate and expand the strategic partnership between the two sides, to continue to increase political trust and to promote construction of China-ASEAN free trade area.

Both sides also agreed in principle to focus on enhancing cooperation in transport, energy, culture, tourism and public health, which will be five new and major cooperation fields for China and the ASEAN.

Participants discussed working principles of the China-ASEAN eminent persons group, and exchanged views on preparation for the celebration of the 15th anniversary of China-ASEAN dialogue partnership.

Both sides agreed to hold working group meeting soon for implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

China reiterated its willingness to join in the Protocol of the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapons-Free Zone Treaty.

Both sides exchanged views on issues concerning the East Asia Summit and the United Nations reforms. They agreed to enhance support and coordination in international and regional affairs.

The Chinese side respects the ASEAN's consensus on the East Asia Summit, and supports the ASEAN to continue its leading role in regional cooperation. The ASEAN appreciated China's important efforts made for safeguarding peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula.

The Chinese side stressed the support integration process of the ASEAN. The ASEAN side said China's peaceful development is important for regional peace, stability and prosperity, and will bring more development opportunities for countries in this region.

The consultation was launched in 1995 as an important annual political consultation mechanism for the two sides.

(Xinhua News Agency April 30, 2005)