Foreign and Military Affairs

Wen: EAS should adhere to existing principles

By Qin Jize and Liu Shanshan (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-10-30 16:02

Wen: EAS should adhere to existing principles

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao attends the 5th East Asia Summit in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam,?October 30, 2010. [Photo/Xinhua]

HANOI - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Saturday emphasized the importance for the East Asia Summit (EAS) to adhere to its existing principles at the regional bloc's fifth annual meeting in Hanoi.

Wen also urged respect for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (ASEAN) leading role in the integration of Asia while he appreciated the participation of Russia and the United States, and the two powerhouses' active engagement in the summit.

Wen said China wishes to work together with EAS members and to increase cooperation within the China-ASEAN bloc and the ASEAN Plus Three bloc, which includes ASEAN countries, China, Japan and South Korea.

Wen proposed establishing a cooperative regional research center on climate change to promote East Asian nations' collaboration in coping with the issue.

Japan's Prime Minister Naoto Kan (L), Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard (2nd L), Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung (C), Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (2nd R) and India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (R)?join hands during a photo opportunity as part of the 5th East Asia Summit in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, Oct 30, 2010. [Photo/Agencies]