At the 20th China-ASEAN Senior Officials' Consultation held in Thailand on April 22, 2014, delegates from ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries spoke highly of the sound momentum of the development of China-ASEAN relations.

Delegates from Thailand said at the meeting that relations between ASEAN and China are solid and dynamic, and cooperation taken by two sides is broad. The China-ASEAN strategic partnership has become a pillar to the maintenance of regional peace and stability. The importance of the partnership will be more prominent in the future. For ASEAN, China is a natural major partner in bilateral, regional and global affairs.

As the second decade of the China-ASEAN strategic partnership unfolds, senior officials from all member states of ASEAN and China are enhancing communication and building consensus, which is helpful for advancing China-ASEAN relations.

Senior officials from ASEAN countries also spoke highly of the "2+7 cooperation framework" proposed by China at last year's China-ASEAN Summit. They are glad that the 10th joint working group meeting on implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) that was held in Singapore in March has made progress.

Senior officials from Malaysia said China is the most active dialogue partner in ASEAN, and has given many constructive cooperation proposals. The two sides should make joint efforts and take practical measures to implement these initiatives. The sound development of China-ASEAN relations is conducive to the peace and stability of East Asia as well as the growth of ASEAN. Malaysia gives priority to preparing for disaster rescue exercises together with China. Malaysia will continue its close cooperation with China and ensure the exercise is a success, anticipating that the exercise will help establish a regional mechanism for disaster relief.

Delegates from Indonesia, Thailand and Myanmar said China's proposal on signing a "Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation between China and ASEAN" is in line with the objective of building a community of security, economy and culture in ASEAN, which will contribute to the peace, stability and prosperity of the region.

Delegates of Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei said that the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (FTA)―the first trade treaty signed by ASEAN and its partner―is highly significant. An upgraded version of the China-ASEAN FTA that is under negotiation will bring mutual benefits to all parties, such as facilitating the trade and investment between China and ASEAN countries as well as advancing the talks on Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Eventually, it will help build a more open and free economic structure for the region.

Thailand, Brunei and Cambodia appreciate China's support in building interconnectivity networks in ASEAN countries. They believe the establishment of an Asian infrastructure investment bank will help promote interconnectivity and economic integration in the region. Singapore suggests Asian infrastructure investment bank give more attention to sectors that have not attracted commercial banks and multilateral development organizations and make long-term marginal revenue projects, making complements to World Bank and Asian Development Bank.

ASEAN countries warmly welcome China's initiative on jointly building the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. They believe China's initiative highlights the foresight of China-ASEAN relations. The proposal will benefit the common development and prosperity of all countries in the region as well as further consolidate regional peace and stability.

Thailand delegates said China's proposal on building the Maritime Silk Road offers many specific projects, including building the cooperation network of port cities between China and ASEAN countries, enhancing maritime security and jointly coping with disasters at sea.

All parties spoke highly of the 2014 China-ASEAN Cultural Exchanges Year. ASEAN countries extended greetings to the opening ceremony held successfully in Beijing in April. They will do their utmost to organize and participate in the cultural exchange events, and raise awareness about the importance of China-ASEAN relations as well as enhance friendship between Chinese people and ASEAN peoples.