China supports the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) in continuing to play a leading role in regional forum,Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan said Wednesday at an annual session of the Eighth ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Hanoi.

"Much has been achieved by the forum in promoting trust and cooperation,and this is attributable to the multilateral efforts, the ASEAN contribution in particular," Tang said.

Given the diverse political, economic and security concern in the region,the forum should retain its nature as a political and diplomatic forum and still focus on confidence-building, the Chinese foreign minister added.

"Principles such as non-interference in each other's internal affairs and consensus-building which have taken shape and proved to be effective should continue to be observed," Tang said.

He reaffirmed that China always stands ready to enhance its cooperation with all parties within the framework of the forum, so as to strengthen peace and stability in the region.

(People's Daily 07/25/2001)