Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs highlighted Thailand’s role in promoting ASEAN-China cooperation on sustainable development at the 28th ACSOC

On 10 June 2022, H.E. Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, attended the 28th ASEAN-China Senior Officials' Consultation (ACSOC) via videoconference. The Meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Mr. Wu Jianghao, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, and H.E. Mr. Chan Aye, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar, as the ASEAN Country Coordinator for ASEAN-China relations. The Senior Officials of all other ASEAN Member States and the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN also attended the Meeting.

The Meeting reviewed the progress on the implementation of the ASEAN-China Plan of Action (2021-2025) and discussed ways to enhance political-security, economic and cultural cooperation, as well as post COVID-19 recovery. It also exchanged views on ways to move forward the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) to be forward-looking and mutually beneficial.

Thailand highlighted its proactive role in promoting ASEAN-China cooperation on sustainable development, particularly through the complementarities between the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the SDGs, or the "Complementarities Initiative". Thailand also encouraged China to foster cooperation on the Bio-Circular-Green or BCG Economy Model and utilise the ASEAN Center for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue (ACSDSD) in Bangkok. In addition, Thailand suggested that ASEAN and China could explore cooperation on blue economy for mutual benefit on the basis of the principles outlined in the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and ASEAN Declaration on Blue Economy.

The Meeting also discussed regional and international issues, including major power relations and the South China Sea. The Meeting reaffirmed their commitment to upholding ASEAN centrality and maintaining ASEAN-centred regional architecture.