As the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) came to a successful conclusion, H.E. Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) gave a written interview to Global Times, interpreting the outcomes of the BRF, elaborating on the important achievements of ASEAN-China cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and expressing expectations on future cooperation. On 21 and 24 October, the written interview was published in Chinese and English respectively on the paper and online platforms of Global Times. 

SG Shi Zhongjun stated that ASEAN and China are natural partners in the construction of the BRI, and fruitful outcomes have been achieved in practical cooperation under the BRI over the past ten years, delivering tangible benefits to the people of both sides and receiving high appreciation from the society of ASEAN Member States.

SG Shi Zhongjun noted that ASEAN and China shall work together to implement the important outcomes of the 3rd BRF, seek greater synergy of development strategies and strengthen “hard connectivity” of infrastructure, “soft connectivity” of rules and standards, and “heart-to-heart connectivity” of the two peoples. 

SG Shi Zhongjun stressed that the ACC will remain committed to facilitating high-quality Belt and Road cooperation between ASEAN and China by leveraging on its advantages as an intergovernmental organization, so as to add even more substance to the ASEAN-China comprehensive strategic partnership.

Interview link:

English version:

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202310/1300399.shtml

Chinese version: 

https://world.huanqiu.com/article/4F1UKmou3vl