VII. Q: East Asian cooperation faces new challenges. Why does China stress carrying forward "open regionalism" at this moment?

A: Open regionalism is a vision generally recognized by Asia-Pacific countries. China and ASEAN are advocates and practitioners of this vision. Last year, when addressing the Special Summit to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations, President Xi Jinping summed up four takeaways from the development of bilateral relations, one of which is "upholding inclusiveness and mutual learning, and jointly contributing to open regionalism". For a long time, China and ASEAN, together with regional countries, have upheld open regionalism, advanced regional economic integration through free trade, promoted regional and sub-regional cooperation via equal consultation, and developed networks of friends worldwide with an open mindset, pushing Asia to become a highland of development and promising land for cooperation. It's fair to say that open regionalism is the source of Asia-Pacific cooperation and development, and an important guarantee for peace and stability in the region.

Today's world is not peaceful. What some countries think about is not how to deal with the challenges hand in hand, but to pursue a relapse into the obsolete Cold War mentality and closed group politics. They are busy forging exclusive "small circles" and trumpeting various forms of "decoupling" and "severing supply chains", thus severely challenging regional peace and stability. Open or closed, cooperation or confrontation, solidarity or division, progress or retrogression - these are major issues confronting regional countries.

The Chinese side holds that we should adhere to the vision of peace, development, independence and inclusiveness, firmly uphold and act on open regionalism and by drawing experience and wisdom from Asian civilizations and practices, add new dimensions to open regionalism. First, uphold the tradition of peaceful coexistence, and resolve disputes by peaceful means. Second, uphold the goal of development and rejuvenation, and promote integrated economic development. Third, uphold the principle of independence. Our future and the future of our region should be in our own hands. Fourth, uphold the spirit of openness and inclusiveness, and oppose excluding specific countries and targeting specific parties.

Between open regionalism and closed bloc politics lies a fundamental dividing line, which embodies a historical choice bearing on the future and destiny of China and ASEAN countries. China and ASEAN countries have survived, thrived and cooperated in Asia for thousands of years, and no force can stop us from moving towards common development and revitalization. China will follow a neighborhood policy featuring amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, and work with ASEAN and other regional countries to build a common homeland that enjoys peace, tranquility, prosperity, beautiful environment and friendship, and write a new chapter of regional cooperation and Asian revitalization!