FOCUS-Jiang says China, ASEAN want new world order
By David Brunnstrom
BANGKOK, Sept 3 (Reuters) - Visiting Chinese President Jiang Zemin said on Friday China and countries of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) wanted a new international order to counter the power politics of some big world powers.
The world situation had relaxed somewhat since the end of the Cold War and there had been increasing voices for global peace, stability and development, Jiang said in a speech in Bangkok on China-Thai relations and China's policy towards Southeast Asia.
``However, the world is far from being tranquil. Hegemonism and power politics still exist and have even developed in the international political, economic and security fields,' he said.
``The new 'gunboat policy' and the economic neo-colonialism pursued by some big powers has severely undermined the sovereign independence and development interest of small and medium sized countries and has threatened world peace and international security,' Jiang said.
``China firmly opposes hegemonism and power politics and will never seek hegemony -- that is a solemn commitment that the Chinese government and the people have made to the whole world,' he said.
Hegemonism and power politics are China's codewords for U.S. foreign policy.
``Both China and ASEAN countries are advocators for a new international order. Our consensus on strategic issues is increasing. Both China and ASEAN countries need to maintain good neighbourliness and friendship with each other,' he said.
The Chinese leader stressed all countries needed to abide strictly by basic norms governing international relations to maintain world peace.
``No country should be allowed to defy the laws, or wilfully violate and trample on these norms. All the countries regardless of their strength are equal members of the international community,' he said.
Touching on China-ASEAN issues ties, Jiang said all disputes between them could be solved through ``friendly consultation.'
``China is ready to have in-depth discussions with the relevant ASEAN countries on the principles and ways of safeguarding peace and stability in the region as well as in the South China Sea.'
He was referring to a dispute over the Spratly Islands, an archipelago in the South China Sea claimed by China and several Southeast Asian states.
He said China's modernisation drive called for a long-term peaceful international environment. ``A developed China will pose no threat to any country,' he said, ``and it will only be conducive to regional and world peace and prosperity.'
He said he was grateful to the Thai government and other ASEAN countries for their support of its ``One China' policy over Taiwan and of peaceful reunification.
ASEAN unites Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, the Philippines and Indonesia.
Jiang was on second day of a state visit to Thailand, the first by a Chinese leader since 1991. It has been hailed as a new milestone in already close ties.
He will stay until Monday after which he will head to Australia and then on to New Zealand for the September 12-13 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. |
