ASEAN Summits Boost Connectivity and Resilience in a Changing World 🌏✨
Leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) gathered in Vientiane, Laos, this week for the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits. With the theme \"Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience,\" they're on a mission to strengthen their community and face global challenges head-on!
Chinese experts are buzzing about how these summits are all about regional development 🌟. Despite the occasional hiccup in the South China Sea, ASEAN countries are staying focused on growth and unity. They've got their eyes on the prize and are wary of any external influences that might rock the boat 🚣.
Peng Nian, director at the Hong Kong Research Center for Asian Studies, dished that ASEAN is super keen on tech innovation 💻. They're hoping to level up their digital game by teaming up with tech giants like China and Japan. Talk about squad goals! 🤝
Another hot topic? Connectivity! By strengthening ties with neighbors like China, Japan, and South Korea, ASEAN aims to boost trade and attract some serious investment 💰. It's all about building bridges, literally and figuratively!
Chinese Premier Li Qiang touched down in Vientiane on Wednesday ✈️. He's set to attend the 27th China-ASEAN Summit, the 27th ASEAN Plus Three Summit, and the 19th East Asia Summit from October 9 to 12. And guess what? After Laos, he's jetting off to Vietnam! 🌏
A spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry spilled the tea at a press conference ☕, emphasizing China's commitment to teamwork. They're all about building consensus, deepening trust, and injecting fresh vibes into regional peace and development ✌️.
But wait, there's more! Chen Xiangmiao, director at the World Navy Research Center, hinted that some might try to stir the pot over the South China Sea 🌀. However, most countries are all about keeping things chill and focusing on the bigger picture.
Word on the street is that Japan's new prime minister floated the idea of an \"Asian NATO\" 🤔. But many are side-eyeing this proposal, suggesting it might stir up unnecessary drama. Even Indonesia's biggest English newspaper, The Jakarta Post, suggested ditching the idea to avoid any awkwardness 🙅.
Chen summed it up perfectly: ASEAN is all about collaboration and is cautious of any outside influences that might throw shade on their goals 🌞. With global tensions rising elsewhere, they're keen on keeping their region harmonious and prosperous.
Reference(s):
ASEAN summits prioritize connectivity and resilience amid disruptions
cgtn.com
