China firmly supports building of ASEAN Community — Chinese premier

VIENTIANE, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) — China firmly supports the building of the ASEAN Community, as well as ASEAN’s central position in regional cooperation and its greater role in international affairs, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here Wednesday.
China is ready to contribute to joint efforts in making the region an important engine for global development, he added.
Li made the remarks in a statement released upon arrival. He will attend leaders’ meetings on East Asia cooperation, and pay an official visit to Laos at the invitation of Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, the current chair of the ASEAN. ■