Remarks by Ambassador Tan Hung Seng Singapore Permanent Representative to ASEAN and Chair of Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR) at the ASEAN-China Reception to Commemorate the 15th Anniversary of the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership Thursday, 12 July 2018

REMARKS BY AMBASSADOR TAN HUNG SENG SINGAPORE PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE TO ASEAN AND CHAIR OF COMMITTEE OF PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVES TO ASEAN (CPR) AT THE ASEAN-CHINA RECEPTION TO COMMEMORATE THE 15^th ANNIVERSARY OF THE ASEAN-CHINA STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

THURSDAY, 12 JULY 2018 

His Excellency Dato Lim Jock Hoi, Secretary-General of ASEAN
His Excellency Huang Xilian, Ambassador of China to ASEAN

Distinguished guests,

Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen,

1          On behalf of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN, I am pleased to welcome you to the commemorative reception for the 15^th anniversary of the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership, and the launch of the ASEAN-China photo exhibition, with the theme of “Living in Harmony”.  Just a month ago, in this very venue, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang launched the commemoration of the 15^thAnniversary of the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership. The Singapore Permanent Mission to ASEAN is pleased to have collaborated closely with the Chinese Mission to ASEAN to organise this event to commemorate this milestone in ASEAN-China relations.  Indeed, I am happy you are able to join us this morning.

2          In a few weeks’ time, Singapore will complete its three-year term as Country Co-ordinator of ASEAN-China Dialogue Partner relations.  It has been an eventful and meaningful three years, and before we hand over this responsibility to the Philippines, allow me to share my thoughts on how ASEAN-China relations have deepened and broadened across the three ASEAN Community Pillars.   In the interest of time, and to avoid repetition, I will just highlight a few key points.

3          In the political and security pillar, I am pleased to note that ASEAN and China are working closely to hold the inaugural ASEAN-China Maritime Exercise this year.  ASEAN and China also operationalised the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea in the South China Sea, and launched the MFA-to-MFA hotline to manage maritime emergencies in the South China Sea.  These confidence building measures, including the adoption of the Framework of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, and the Leaders’ Declaration on a Decade of Coastal and Marine Environmental Protection in the South China Sea in the Philippines last year, have promoted trust and cooperation in the South China Sea (SCS).

4          In the economic pillar, ASEAN-China have strengthened our economic linkages through the upgrade of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) in 2016.  We are working towards the full implementation of the Upgrade Protocol.  This includes continuing discussions on the Future Work Programme under the upgrade, which will deliver greater benefits through further trade and investment liberalisation.  Underlining ASEAN-China commitment to further strengthen mutually beneficial economic cooperation, our Leaders have also issued landmark statements to enhance cooperation in infrastructure connectivity, and in production capacity cooperation.

5           In terms of people-to-people relations, one noteworthy dimension is the remarkable growth of two-way tourism.  I recall that at the 19^th ASEAN-China Summit in September 2016, PRC Premier Li Keqiang had suggested a target of 30 million two-way tourist arrivals by 2020.  The target was achieved in less than a year, as the two-way tourist flows between ASEAN and China reached 30.1 million in 2016. In 2017, the number of visits have even reached close to 50 million.

6          Looking ahead, I am optimistic that ASEAN-China cooperation will continue to flourish for three reasons.  First, China is the only Dialogue Partner with whom ASEAN identifies one important thematic area of cooperation each year.  This enables ASEAN and China to review and determine how to enhance our partnership in a focused manner.  A good example is the designation of 2018 as the Year of Innovation, which reflects the commitment of ASEAN and China to work together to respond to the opportunities and challenges of the digital revolution.  The Year of Innovation also dovetails with Singapore’s Chairmanship theme, which focusses on “Resilience and Innovation. As part of the ASEAN-China Year of Innovation, we welcome China’s support, in addition to support from our other partners, for the ASEAN Smart Cities Network, which we believe will deliver concrete benefits to the citizens of ASEAN and our external partner countries.

7          Second, ASEAN and China are committed to develop a forward-looking partnership, and we are not content to rest on our laurels. In this context, we are finalising an ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership Vision 2030 Joint Statement, which will chart the future direction of the strategic partnership. We look forward to issuing this landmark Joint Statement at the forthcoming 21^st ASEAN-China Summit in November this year.

8          Third, there is still tremendous untapped potential in ASEAN-China cooperation. Hence, both sides must remain committed to accelerate cooperation in new and promising areas.  For example, we can explore greater synergies in areas such as E-Commerce, and develop new initiatives to better facilitate ASEAN-China trade and investment flows and enhance the business environment.  We are also working to enhance air connectivity in order to realise the ASEAN-China Open Skies, which will allow us to promote even greater people-to-people and economic linkages.

9           In summary, I believe that the future for ASEAN-China relations is bright. I am confident that the Philippines, especially my good friend Elizabeth Buensuceso, which will assume the role as Country Co-ordinator, will continue to nurture and expand ASEAN-China relations.  I would also like to express appreciation for the good foundation laid by the previous country coordinator, Thailand.

10          In conclusion, let me to take this opportunity to reiterate my heartfelt gratitude for the support of my colleagues, fellow Permanent Representatives to ASEAN.  I am also grateful for the support of Ambassador Huang and his team who have worked tirelessly to strengthen ASEAN-China relations.  Last but not least, I must express my appreciation to ASEAN Secretary General Dato Lim Jock Hoi and colleagues from the ASEAN Secretariat for their steadfast support.  Singapore will continue to fully support all efforts to foster closer ASEAN-China cooperation. Thank you.

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