From March 7 to 8, 2023, ASEAN Plus Three Senior Officials' Meeting (APT SOM), and the East Asia Summit (EAS) Senior Officials' Meeting were held in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong led a delegation to attend. All participants exchanged views on the development of East Asia cooperation mechanisms, promoting economic growth and international and regional issues of mutual interest and concern.

Nong Rong said that China stands ready to strengthen cooperation with all parties under the theme of "ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth" and firmly supports ASEAN's unity and independence as well as its centrality in the regional cooperation architecture. China is doing its utmost to pursue a Chinese path to modernization, and making every effort to facilitate high-quality development and high-standard opening up. China stands ready to share opportunities and meet challenges with other countries in the region, and jointly build a regional economic growth center. All parties concerned should continue to consolidate the position of APT as the main channel for East Asia cooperation, strengthen regional connectivity and promote economic integration and sustainable development cooperation. The EAS should make good use of its role as a leaders-led strategic forum, adhere to the two-wheel drive of political security and economic development, and strengthen practical cooperation.

Nong Rong also strongly refuted the false accusations made against China by some participants on maritime issues. He stressed that Taiwan and issues related to Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Xizang are China's internal affairs and brook no foreign interference. Non-regional countries should respect the efforts made by China and ASEAN countries to safeguard regional peace and stability.

The participants fully recognized the role of the two mechanisms and called for the strengthening of mechanism building to help the region achieve sustainable recovery. APT countries should take the opportunity of implementing the ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation Work Plan 2023-2027 to deepen practical cooperation in various fields. EAS member states need to chart the course for the summit's future development,  respond to various challenges and jointly promote regional peace, stability, development and prosperity.

On the sidelines of the meetings, Nong Rong also met with senior officials of some countries on ASEAN affairs. They exchanged views on bilateral relations, East Asia cooperation and issues of common interest and concern.