China, ASEAN meet on closer security cooperation

Meng Jianzhu, head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, addresses the opening ceremony of "Security for Prosperity" China-ASEAN Ministerial Dialogue on Law Enforcement & Security Cooperation, in Beijing, capital of China, Oct 23, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - Police chiefs from China and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) met for an inter-ministerial meeting on law enforcement and security cooperation on Friday in Beijing.

The opening remarks at the China-ASEAN Ministerial Dialogue on Law-enforcement & Security Cooperation were given by Meng Jianzhu, head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

Meng said that China-ASEAN cooperation in the law enforcement and security sector had improved, particularly since China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand launched the Mekong River joint patrols.

China is ready to work with ASEAN to improve pragmatic cooperation and translate the "common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable Asia security outlook," proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, into action, Meng said.

China's police chief Guo Shengkun said China-ASEAN cooperation in law enforcement and security face new opportunities created by the China proposed "Belt and Road" Initiative and the construction of the ASEAN Community.

Law enforcement authorities from Australia, Russia, as well as international organizations, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and Interpol also attended the meeting.

The joint patrols on the Mekong River started in December 2011 after a gang hijacked two cargo ships on Oct. 5, 2011 in Thai waters and killed 13 Chinese sailors.