China will continue to advance comprehensive and high-quality implementation of RCEP to bring more tangible benefits to the people in the Asia-Pacific, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Friday.
RCEP, or the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, comprises 15 Asia-Pacific countries -- 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.
Friday marks the fourth anniversary of the signing of the RCEP. At a press conference held in Beijing, Lin briefed the media on the achievements of this free trade cooperation framework and China's role in it over the past four years.
"RCEP covers more population and involves more trade than any other free trade agreement in today's world. Since its official implementation, RCEP has been delivering institutional benefits, such as easing tariffs, streamlining customs clearance, and facilitating trade and investment. It has made regional industrial and supply chains more stable and unimpeded and opened up a new phase of high-quality development of the economies in the region," said Lin.
"As the largest economy among RCEP members, China is an active promoter of high-quality implementation of the agreement. In the first three quarters of this year, imports and exports between China and other RCEP members totaled 9.63 trillion yuan (about 1.35 trillion U.S. dollars), up by 4.5 percent year on year. In 2023, non-financial direct investment from China to other RCEP members reached 18.06 billion U.S. dollars, up by 26 percent year on year or 14 percentage points higher than the growth rate of China's investment globally," he said.
Lin also reiterated China's commitment to the continuous implementation of RCEP with a high quality. "As this year's non-ASEAN rotating chair of RCEP, China has played a leading role in high-standard compliance with RCEP and made great contributions to enhancing the overall implementation of RCEP in the region. We will stay committed to advancing comprehensive and high-quality implementation of RCEP, injecting more impetus into regional trade growth and economic integration, and bringing more tangible benefits to the people in the Asia-Pacific," said the spokesman.
China to continue advancing comprehensive and high-quality implementation of RCEP
President Xi Jinping's state visit is a highlight of China-Peruvian relations and will lead to further cooperation projects, said Chinese ambassador to Peru Song Yang.
Xi arrived in Peru's capital Lima on Thursday to attend the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and pay a state visit to the Latin American country at the invitation of Peruvian President Dina Boluarte.
When Xi arrived at the Callao Air Base in Lima, he was warmly welcomed by Peruvian Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzen and other senior officials. Ambassador Song welcomed Xi at the airport and expressed optimism about the potential outcomes of the visit.
"Both China and Peru are ancient civilizations. They have a long history of friendship and deep people-to-people exchanges. Our cooperation is now presenting a new landscape. President Xi Jinping, who is visiting Peru for the third time, has given many instructions and promoted cooperation between the two countries. Through the leadership provided by heads of state, China-Peru cooperation has reached a new horizon. We will further consolidate the foundation of our friendship and cooperation and expand the scope of future cooperation for the benefit of the people of both countries. So today should be considered a significant moment for Lima and a highlight of our practical friendship," Song said.
Song believes the visit will yield tangible advancements in political trust, pragmatic cooperation, and cultural exchange.
"President Xi Jinping decided to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership with Peru eleven years ago, resulting in fruitful outcomes over the years. He has proposed the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. We can see that Peru fully supports these three major initiatives, as we both uphold multilateralism and work together to maintain world peace and security, taking on greater responsibilities in these areas. I am confident that with the successful completion of this state visit, many projects will come to fruition. And our future task will be advancing these pragmatic cooperation projects, which is worth looking forward to," he said.
Despite the geographical distance, Song highlighted the psychological closeness between the two countries。
"I feel at home here. There is a brotherly bond and a sense of kinship. Wherever we go, we see the Peruvian people greeting us with smiles and open arms. I believe this is a solid foundation of public support for us, as well as a reflection of our cultural commonality," he said.
Xi's visit to Peru marks highlight of bilateral cooperation: Chinese ambassador
