China to upgrade strategic partnership with ASEAN: FM

China is looking to upgrade its strategic partnership and build a closer community of shared future with ASEAN, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (C) answers questions on China's foreign policies and foreign relations at a press conference on the sidelines of the first session of the 13th National People's Congress in Beijing, capital of China, March 8, 2018. [Photo: Xinhua]

China will continue to put cooperation with ASEAN high on its agenda, Wang said at a press conference on the sidelines of the annual session of the National People's Congress.

A new blueprint for cooperation between the two sides will be fostered this year. 

"The proposed China-ASEAN strategic partnership vision 2030 will lead to better coordination between the Belt and Road Initiative and ASEAN's development plans," Wang said.

Meanwhile, cooperation will be broadened in political, security, economic, trade, social and people-to-people fields, according to the minister.

Additionally, more efforts will be made to build a Lancang-Mekong economic development belt. China will support ASEAN community building and work for the early conclusion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, he said.

The year 2018 marks the 15th anniversary of the China-ASEAN strategic partnership. 

"China-ASEAN cooperation is the most successful and dynamic in the Asia-Pacific region," Wang said.

China has been the largest trading partner of ASEAN for nine consecutive years. Last year, trade between the two sides exceeded 500 billion U.S. dollars, and two-way visits totaled 40 million, benefiting nearly 2 billion people, according to Wang.