A Malaysian researcher expects the positive outcomes of the first meeting of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism in London to bring much needed stability to the trade relationship between the two major powers which will benefit Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region.
In an interview with the China Global Television Network (CGTN), Peter TC Chang, former deputy director of the Institute of China Studies at the University of Malaya and a research associate at the China-Malaysia Friendship Association, said he was encouraged by the progress made at the China-U.S. trade talks in London from Monday to Tuesday.
An official from the Chinese ministry of commerce said the two sides conducted professional, rational, in-depth and candid exchanges during the two-day meeting, and have agreed in principle the framework for implementing the consensus between the two heads of state during their phone talks last Thursday, as well as those reached at the recent meeting in Geneva.
Giving his reaction, Chang said the London meeting has sent out positive signals which will encourage markets across Asia following the recent tariff escalation.
"We are happy to hear that both major powers have agreed in principle on a framework in which a deal with their trade, tariffs and exports control [can be made]. First, in Malaysia and ASEAN, we have always had this world view that the major powers of the world should really work together. It is to ASEAN and Malaysia's benefit that China and U.S. are able to strike up a cordial and respectful relationship. Therefore, the news coming out from London was indeed a good one for us," he said.
"China and the U.S. are both major trading partners for Malaysia and ASEAN in general. So, the tariff war has not only hurt the two major powers, but it has also hurt Malaysia and ASEAN as well. So, we just hope that this meeting coming out from London will bring some sort of stability to the very tense trade relationship between the two powers and that will really benefit Malaysia and ASEAN as a whole," he said.
China-US trade talks bring stability, benefits ASEAN region: Malaysian expert
China-US trade talks bring stability, benefits ASEAN region: Malaysian expert
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
