China is willing to work with ASEAN to build a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said when meeting with Secretary-General of ASEAN Kao Kim Hourn on September 15.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said China attaches great importance to ASEAN and regards it as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy.

Noting that this year marks the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership and the 35th anniversary of China-ASEAN dialogue relations, Wang said both sides face new opportunities for the development of relations.

China will continue to support ASEAN's unity and its centrality in the regional architecture, he said.

Wang noted that maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea is in line with the common interests of countries in the region. He added that China is willing to work with ASEAN countries to implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), move forward consultations on a code of conduct in the South China Sea, and jointly foster a new narrative of peace, stability, cooperation and friendship.

For his part, Kao said ASEAN is willing to share opportunities and meet challenges with China, continue to deepen and expand practical cooperation in various fields, and promote ASEAN-China relations to constantly reach new heights.

ASEAN is ready to work with China to jointly maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, he added.