Wang Yi calls for stronger China-Mekong law enforcement and security cooperation

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China and the Southeast Asian countries participating in Lancang-Mekong cooperation should strengthen integrated cooperation in law enforcement and security.

According to Reuters, Wang made the remarks at a joint press conference in Beijing on Wednesday (November 4).

Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said at the press conference that the meeting also discussed advancing the innovation corridor through cooperation in smart agriculture, digital trade, artificial intelligence (AI), education, healthcare and sustainable tourism.

At the 37th APEC Ministerial Meeting on Foreign and Trade Affairs, held the previous day, Wang called on members to deepen solidarity and coordination, safeguard the multilateral trading system and advance the building of an Asia-Pacific community.

The meeting was held via video link in Beijing and was co-chaired by Wang Yi and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.

Wang said that amid a rapidly changing international landscape, the Asia-Pacific region has remained a stabilizing force, a growth engine and a highland of cooperation. "As economic globalization now faces headwinds, where Asia-Pacific cooperation goes is a question of our times that we must answer." He proposed that members uphold mutual respect, deepen solidarity and coordination, and practice the vision of an Asia-Pacific community through concrete actions; safeguard the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core, give play to the leading role of regional trade arrangements, and build an open Asia-Pacific economy.

Wang also called for accelerating Asia-Pacific digital and intelligent transformation, fostering new growth points for cooperation, and expanding cooperation pathways to achieve sustainable development; upholding inclusiveness and advocating green and low-carbon development, and safeguarding energy and food security.

Wang noted that the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting is an important meeting concerning the future development of the Asia-Pacific.

China is willing to work with all parties to do a good job in the final stage of APEC's "China Year" and contribute to fruitful outcomes at the leaders' meeting.

China is the host of this year's APEC meetings, and the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting will be held in Shenzhen from November 18 to 19.