China is willing to enrich the strategic partnership with ASEAN, said Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan in Beijing Monday.

He made the remark during his meeting with Ong Keng Yong, secretary-general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Tang said China attaches high importance to its relations with ASEAN, which witnessed fast and comprehensive growth in recent years. The common interests between the two sides have also increased, he added.

China is willing to work with ASEAN to enhance the all-round cooperation, said Tang.

He reiterated that China supports the ASEAN integration process and the efforts made by ASEAN to form a community.

China also supports ASEAN in playing a bigger role in the regional cooperation, he said.

Ong thanked China for its support to ASEAN, saying the development of China brings opportunities to ASEAN. ASEAN, including its secretariat, will continue to further the cooperation with China in all fields, he said.

According to statistics from the General Administration of Customs, China has become the sixth largest trade partner of ASEAN. ASEAN is the fifth largest trade partner of China.

(Xinhua News Agency July 20, 2004)