China Promises to Add Fresh Funds, Vaccines for ASEAN

jpnn.com, CHINA - Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed his support for ASEAN efforts to establish a nuclear weapons-free zone.

"China supports Asean’s efforts to build a nuclear weapon-free zone, and is prepared to sign the Protocol to the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone as early as possible," Xi said while speaking as Chair of the 30th Anniversary Commemoration of the ASEAN-China Partnership via video streaming from Beijing on Monday.

A nuclear-weapon-free ASEAN is crucial for China's national security, especially after Australia revealed plans to build a nuclear submarine fleet with the help of Britain and the United States.

According to Xi, peace is in the common interest of people in all countries.

"China firmly opposes hegemony and power politics," said Xi, who is also chairman of China's Central Military Commission.

On that occasion, he put forward five proposals related to China's partnership with ASEAN in the future.

The five proposals are to create mutual peace, create mutual security, create common prosperity, create mutual comfort, and establish mutual intimacy.

President Xi has expressed his readiness to work with ASEAN countries to build a "health shield" in the region.