EU and China Are Good Friends and Strong Partners of ASEAN

EU and China are good friends and strong partners of ASEAN, it is in ASEAN’s interest to encourage both sides to engage positively with one another, in particular in safeguarding peace and stability, sustaining global economic growth and protecting trade and supply chains.
Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia and Chair of ASEAN 2022, made the comments in a written interview with EURACTIV Media ahead of the ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit to celebrate the 45th Anniversary of ASEAN-EU Dialogue Relations scheduled for Dec. 14 in Brussels, Belgium.
“There are similarities between U.S.-China and EU-China relations but I view that the confrontation aspects are less severe for EU-China relations. Countries do have differences in how they see the world, how they compete for a fair share of power and influence but such competition should be managed in a healthy manner taking into consideration of the global peace and security, the global public goods, and certainly the international rules and order,” he said.
“ASEAN and EU have an important role to play in showing how multilateralism can work to build trust and confidence. We should avoid adding fuel on the fire. We should encourage constructive dialogue and practical cooperation, and try to find ways to minimise differences for the sake of peace and humanity,” he added.
Regarding the U.S.-China relations, Samdech Techo Hun Sen reaffirmed the ASEAN’s clear position that it does not take side. ASEAN does not choose the U.S. over China or vice versa. ASEAN do not want to be a part of China containment policy, nor do we want to be supportive of any war for hegemony.
“We do need to work with both superpowers and all ASEAN leaders share a common view that stable relations between the U.S. and China are extremely critical for global peace and stability as well as for sustainable development,” the ASEAN Chair 2022 underlined.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press