Politics1 min read

Chinese premier Li Qiang to attend ASEAN summit in Manila

By · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Beijing aims to use the multi-day regional conference to deepen strategic collaboration in fields such as artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and poverty alleviation. Several other prominent global figures, including the leaders of the United States, Brazil, and Canada, are also scheduled to take part in the sessions alongside partners Japan and South Korea. However, the diplomatic engagement unfolds against a backdrop of heightened friction regarding contested territory in the South China Sea. Chinese diplomat Wang Yi previously urged Philippine officials to rein in politicians crossing Beijing's designated red lines.

Key points

  • The gathering convenes prominent global leaders alongside dialogue partners Japan and Sou…: The gathering convenes prominent global leaders alongside dialogue partners Japan and South Korea for regional diplomacy.
  • Bilateral disputes in the South China Sea continue to strain diplomatic relations between…: Bilateral disputes in the South China Sea continue to strain diplomatic relations between Beijing and the host government.
  • The summit provides a platform for China to pursue closer economic integration despite pr…: The summit provides a platform for China to pursue closer economic integration despite prior accusations over attendance obstacles.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said China "looks forward to strengthening solidarity and mutual trust with ASEAN member states".

BEIJING: Chinese Premier Li Qiang will visit Manila to attend the ASEAN summit this week, Beijing's foreign ministry said on Wednesday (Nov 11), joining world leaders including US President Donald Trump.

China and the Philippines have long been at loggerheads over competing claims in the South China Sea, and have taken diplomatic swipes at each other in the run-up to the summit.

Beijing accused Manila in October of "erecting multiple obstacles" to its attendance at an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting in the Philippines that month, a claim rejected by the Southeast Asian country's defence chief.

China's top diplomat Wang Yi also urged the Philippines to rein in politicians who had repeatedly "smeared" Beijing and crossed its "red lines".

Beijing's foreign ministry announced on Wednesday that Li will participate in an upcoming ASEAN summit in Manila on Sunday and Monday.

"Through this meeting, China looks forward to strengthening solidarity and mutual trust with ASEAN member states," ministry spokesman Guo…

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