Premier Li Keqiang Meets Senior Editors of Asia News Network Members

Chon Shi-yong, Editor-in-Chief of The Korean Herald: The international community has put sanctions on the DPRK for its nuclear and missile provocations. Do you think the sanctions are strong enough for the DPRK to give up its nuclear and missile programs? If the DPRK is still defiant, will China put more pressure on North Korea? What more will China do to ease the tension on the Peninsula?

Li Keqiang: China's position on the Korean nuclear issue is consistent and clear-cut. We are committed to upholding peace and stability on the Peninsula, achieving the denuclearization of the Peninsula and settling relevant issues peacefully through dialogue and consultation. The UN Security Council has adopted relevant resolutions in response to the DPRK’s nuclear test and satellite launch. As a member of the UN and a responsible major country, China will earnestly and fully implement the relevant resolutions and uphold the international nuclear non-proliferation regime.

To impose sanctions is not the only means to resolve the issue. The fundamental solution to many problems ultimately lies in the diplomatic means of peaceful negotiation. We always call upon relevant parties to carry out negotiations, including the Six Party Talks, and hope that relevant countries will talk to the DPRK directly to push for the denuclearization of the Peninsula. China will honor its commitment and make its due efforts.

Phonekeo Volakhoun, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Vientiane Times: How do you view the prospects of China-ASEAN relations?

Li Keqiang: China and ASEAN have maintained sound relations. From day one, China has supported the ASEAN integration process and its community-building. China and ASEAN are interdependent and highly complementary. This September, I will go to the Lao PDR to attend the ASEAN-related Summits, including the 10+1 Summit. I hope that this meeting will further boost China-ASEAN relations.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the dialogue relationship between China and ASEAN. We hope that by holding a series of commemorative activities, China and ASEAN will further enhance political trust, synergize development strategies, and expand practical exchanges and people-to-people contacts. China-ASEAN relations are generally moving in a positive direction. Our shared interests are far greater than the differences between China and certain ASEAN member states. We should further expand common interests and continue to send the message of jointly upholding regional stability and promoting regional development to let people see that this region can maintain peace and stability. As for the differences between certain countries, the two sides have the ability and wisdom to resolve them. China-ASEAN cooperation is a force for stability in this region and will further unleash the potential of Asia as the most dynamic region for growth in the world.

Zaffar Abbas, Editor of Dawn of Pakistan: I wish to raise a question on South Asia. China has proposed the Belt and Road Initiative and launched in Pakistan cooperation projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. We believe that this will bring economic development and prosperity to Pakistan. But recently, Iran and Afghanistan are also rolling out infrastructure projects including sea ports and road, financed by India. Does China view this as an irritant to its own initiative or welcome it as healthy competition that will boost economic development in the region?

Li Keqiang: The world economic recovery remains sluggish. The WTO forecast that we may have a weaker performance of global trade this year than any of the previous several years. Hence, it is the common task of all countries to bolster growth and expand trade, in other words, to make the pie bigger.

China all along holds that one important way to emerge from the world economic and financial crisis is to promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation. Hence, it is good news to China to see a new growth point in any country, as it may bring more opportunities to Chinese companies too. Competition is only natural in a market economy and we welcome it. Without competition, bad currency may drive good currency out of circulation and there will be no chance for good companies. We have no wish to protect the backward. What we hope to see is a level playing field on the big world market, and we also wish to see peace and development in all South Asian countries. For Asia to truly become the new engine driving world economic growth, there must be inputs from all parts and directions of the region, be it the east, south or central.

Opening-up has been essential for China's achievements in economic and social development over the past three decades. To tackle the global financial crisis, one needs to stay open in this globalized era. To fight a trade war or currency war delivers no solution to the crisis.