On September 7, 2016 local time, the 19th China-ASEAN Summit, which is also the Commemorative Summit Marking the 25th Anniversary of China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations, was held in Vientiane, Laos. Premier Li Keqiang and leaders of ASEAN member states were present. After the meeting, Laos, the presidency of the meeting, issued the Chairman’s Statement.

Speaking positively of the tremendous development achievements of China-ASEAN relations over the past 25 years, the statement pointed out that China-ASEAN relations are among the most substantial and dynamic, contributing to peace, stability and prosperity in the region. ASEAN leaders appreciate China’s commitment to supporting ASEAN Community-building and its continued support for ASEAN centrality in the evolving regional architecture. The statement welcomed the significant progress China-ASEAN cooperation has made, including the series of commemorative activities marking the 25th anniversary of China-ASEAN dialogue relations and expressed the willingness to promote the implementation of important initiatives such as the “Belt and Road” and “2+7 cooperation framework” and boost cooperation in such fields as economy, trade, connectivity, quality inspection, science and technology, and environmental protection. The statement welcomed the designation of 2017 as the China-ASEAN Year of Tourism Cooperation.

The statement underlined the importance to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea, and appreciated the adoption of the Joint Statement by the Foreign Ministers of China and ASEAN Member States on the Full and Effective Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).The statement welcomed the “four visions” that China has proposed concerning the consultation on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC). Paragraphs covering the South China Sea in the statement are more positive and balanced than previous years, which objectively reflects that the current South China Sea situation is cooling down as well as shows the firm confidence and positive willingness that all parties are devoted to fully and effectively implementing the DOC, promoting consultations on the COC and jointly safeguarding peace and stability in the South China Sea.