Mr. Chairman,

This year marks the 10th anniversary of ASEM. Over the past decade, guided by the principles of mutual respect, conducting dialogue on an equal footing, making gradual progress and building consensus through consultation, Asia and Europe have carried out extensive and diversified cooperation and deepened political dialogue. We enjoy closer economic links, rapidly growing cooperation in social areas and expanding cultural and people-to-people exchanges. ASEM has become a strategic platform for Asia and Europe to strengthen coordination, further cooperation and pursue common development.

The world today is moving towards multi-polarity and economic globalization is gaining momentum, accompanied by rapid progress in science and technology and ever-closer regional cooperation. Peace, cooperation and development are the general trend of our times. On the other hand, there is growing instability and discord, as seen in mounting traditional and non-traditional security threats, unbalanced global economic development and a widening gap in wealth. Facing these new developments, people naturally place higher expectations on the ASEM summit, and it is imperative that we adopt a long-term strategy to plan our future cooperation. We should set the following goals for ASEM: Making Asia and Europe more influential in addressing major global issues through expanding dialogue and cooperation; promoting diversified development of culture and civilization through enhanced mutual political trust; furthering economic cooperation in substantive terms on the basis of equality and mutual benefit; advancing institutional building for cooperation that meets long-term needs as called for; and maintaining ASEM's openness by increasing its outreach. To consolidate and further develop the new Asia-Europe partnership in the interest of global peace and prosperity, I wish to propose the following:

1. Enhancing political dialogue and better responding to security threats. Safeguarding peace and security and promoting prosperity and development are the common responsibilities of Asia and Europe. We ASEM members should increase consultation in multilateral mechanisms and support the leading role of the United Nations in international affairs. We should strengthen coordination on international and regional issues and intensify our effort in solving the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, the Iranian nuclear issue, the Middle East crisis and other regional issues. We should also intensify cooperation in practical terms in fighting terrorism and proliferation, and combating transnational crimes in a joint effort to maintain global peace and security. China is ready to increase consultation and coordination with other ASEM members through our respective missions to the United Nations and other international agencies, and such channels as the ASEM Conference on Counter-terrorism.