China says ready to work with ASEAN countries on South China Sea peace

Chinese Minister of National Defense Dong Jun on Friday told his counterparts from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations that China stands ready to work with all parties to safeguard lasting peace and stability in the South China Sea with practical actions, according to China's Ministry of National Defense.

Dong made the remarks at the 15th China–ASEAN Defense Ministers' Informal Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which he co-chaired with Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Defense Minister of the current ASEAN chair Malaysia.

All participating nations agreed to hold the second China–ASEAN joint maritime exercise in 2027, the ministry said in a news release on Friday evening.

Dong said defense cooperation between China and ASEAN countries has steadily expanded under the strategic guidance of their leaders, significantly contributing to regional peace and stability.

He stressed that at a time of intertwined changes and turbulence, it's much more necessary for China and ASEAN to act as an "anchor of stability" and to work together to build a closer China–ASEAN community with a shared future.

China is ready to work with all parties, uphold the "original aspiration of strength achieved through unity", and jointly build a more solid shield for common security, the Chinese defense chief said.

He highlighted that the Chinese side is willing to pursue win-win cooperation with regional countries and deepen mutual learning and understanding so as to "boost overall resilience in addressing security challenges".

According to the release, defense leaders from ASEAN countries spoke highly of the progress in China–ASEAN relations, and appreciated China's respect for ASEAN centrality.

They said they are willing to deepen defense and security cooperation with China to jointly uphold regional peace and stability.

On the sidelines of the meetings, Dong also held talks with defense leaders from the United States, New Zealand, and Thailand.