stability and promoting cooperation in our region. China and ASEAN are both committed to a peaceful and stable East Asia. The two sides have worked together to advance the 10+1, 10+3 and East Asia cooperation and coordinated positions in the Asia-Europe cooperation process. China consistently supports ASEAN's leading role in regional affairs and regional cooperation.

China-ASEAN relations are a fine example of friendly exchanges between countries in this region. They have brought real benefits to the peoples of China and ASEAN countries and made important contribution to peace, stability and prosperity in Asia and the world at large.

From the impressive growth of China-ASEAN relations in the past 15 years, we can draw the following conclusions:

First, peaceful development is the prerequisite for the growth of China-ASEAN relations. We both firmly pursue a policy of good neighborliness and friendship, see each other as cooperative partners and take other's development as an opportunity, not a threat. We are both committed to peace and stability and we both work for prosperity and well being of our peoples. That is why our relations have become a model of harmony and common development among countries.

Second, equality and mutual trust are the foundation of China-ASEAN relations. We respect and treat each other as equals and endeavor to develop consensus by seeking common grounds while putting aside differences. With the overall interests and the strategic importance of our relations in mind, we have addressed each other's concerns with sensitivity and handled issues in bilateral relations appropriately. This has enabled our relations to stand the test of volatile changes in the international environment and move towards maturity.

Third, win-win cooperation is the goal for China-ASEAN relations. Basing ourselves on our respective national conditions and long-term development needs, we have enjoyed mutual understanding, support and help in our joint effort to meet the challenges posed by economic globalization as well as traditional and non-traditional security threats. We have expanded exchanges and coordination and broadened our common interests. Indeed, we have embarked upon a new path of promoting mutual benefit and win-win cooperation.

Fourth, people's support is the driving force behind China-ASEAN relations. Our cooperation helps reduce poverty, narrow development gap, speed up growth and deliver a better life for our peoples. We have endeavored to deepen mutual understanding and friendship among our peoples, thus creating enormous popular support for China-ASEAN friendship, and this is the inexhaustible source of strength for growing our bilateral ties.

Dear Colleagues,

In the four decades since its establishment, ASEAN has made remarkable progress in strengthening itself through unity and grown into an important regional and global force for peace and development. The "ASEAN Way" that advocates consensus building and non-interference in other's internal affairs has both consolidated unity in the organization and enhanced state-to-state relations in the region. Guided by the principle of flexibility, pragmatism and gradualism, ASEAN has made solid progress in community building and become a successful example of cooperation among developing countries. By being open and inclusive and taking new initiatives, ASEAN has initiated and advanced regional cooperation, becoming a major driving force for cooperation in Asia.

We in China have great admiration for the achievements of ASEAN and sincerely wish you greater success in development.

China supports ASEAN in accelerating integration and community building and its leading role in regional cooperation. We are convinced that a strong, proud,