Wang Yi Advocates Deeper Cooperation at Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Meeting

Chiang Mai, The Gulf Observer: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday called for intensified efforts to deepen the building of a community with a shared future among the Lancang-Mekong countries. Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made these remarks at the ninth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

Wang praised the six participating countries—Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam—as “natural partners and friendly neighbors forever,” emphasizing their enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation.

During the meeting, Wang urged the countries to focus on peace and stability while adhering to their common aspirations within the framework of LMC cooperation. He emphasized the importance of “genuine multilateralism and open regionalism,” opposing zero-sum approaches or “decoupling” strategies. “We should work together to build a Lancang-Mekong home where we share weal and woe, and stand in unity and solidarity,” Wang said.

Wang further highlighted the need to follow a concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security. He called for increased joint efforts to combat cross-border crime and safeguard regional stability and tranquility.

In addition, Wang proposed measures to promote innovation-driven development, with a focus on bridging the artificial intelligence gap, improving interconnectivity to boost economic growth, and enhancing cultural and people-to-people exchanges among the countries.

At the conclusion of the meeting, all participants reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the momentum of LMC cooperation. They pledged to work together to address challenges, achieve sustainable development in the subregion, enhance the well-being of their peoples, and maintain peace and stability in the region.

The countries also issued three statements on deepening cooperation in water resources, clean air, and combating cross-border crime. Additionally, the meeting saw the release of several key documents, including a report on the progress of the five-year action plan of LMC (2023-2027) in 2023, a list of projects supported by the special fund for LMC cooperation in 2024, a summary of the implementation of the LMC agricultural cooperation action plan, and a think-tank report on building a community with a shared future among Lancang-Mekong countries.