Chinese FM attends 15th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' Meeting

The 15th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' Meeting was held in Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur on Friday. Delivering a speech at the summit, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for all parties to enhance understanding and trust, maintain peace and stability, and promote development and prosperity.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the East Asia Summit. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, proposed three suggestions on behalf of the Chinese side:

First, return to dialogue. The original intention of the summit is to engage in constructive dialogue and enhance strategic mutual trust. However, in recent years, certain external countries have frequently used the summit to hype up differences and attack other countries, interfering in their internal affairs.

It is hoped that all parties can respect each other, communicate with goodwill, and focus on enhancing understanding and cooperation. China supports the issuance of a commemorative declaration on the 20th anniversary of the summit this year, which will provide direction for the development of the summit.

Second, return to development. Through pragmatic cooperation, we should strive to improve the lives of the people in the East Asia region, said Wang. Unilateralism and protectionism are short-sighted and dangerous. The best choice for all parties is to expand the cooperation pie and share the benefits of development. China is willing to work with all parties to implement the East Asia Summit Action Plan and stimulate regional growth vitality.

Third, return to openness. We support the ASEAN-led regional cooperation framework, firmly uphold the multilateral trading system, create a high-level regional free trade network, and promote regional integration, said the foreign minister. We oppose introducing Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation into this region, as well as the establishment of closed and exclusive "small circles," he added.

On the Taiwan question, Wang emphasized that the root cause of the tension in the Taiwan Strait is the increasingly rampant separatist actions seeking "Taiwan secession" and the support and encouragement from external forces. Wang said that if one truly cares about peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, it is essential to resolutely curb the expansion of separatist forces.

Wang said that safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity is a sacred mission for every country, expressing the hope that all countries will continue to firmly uphold the one-China principle, oppose any form of support for "Taiwan secession," and support China's efforts to achieve complete national reunification.

Wang also clarified China's stern position on the South China Sea issue at the summit.

Chinese FM attends 15th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' Meeting

Chinese FM attends 15th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' Meeting

The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.

In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.

"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.

Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.

The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."

Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.

President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.

Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.

Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.

The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.

Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests