BEIJING, Nov. 20 (Xinhuanet) -- After the East Asia summit, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin answered reporters’ questions on major issues such as cooperation between China and ASEAN, the South China Sea, and the strategic change on East Asia by the US.

Liu Zhenmin says China proposed many constructive suggestions during the summit, including disaster alleviation, education, and climate changes. And China is willing to further enhance cooperation with ASEAN countries.

He also says Premier Wen Jiabao reiterated China’s position on the South China Sea during his meeting with US President Barack Obama. According to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea signed in 2002, this issue should be resolved between the countries directly concerned through negotiation and in a peaceful manner.

Liu Zhenmin, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister, said, "I think with the rapid economic development in China, in East Asia countries, the countries and region pays more attention to the freedom of navigation than anybody else. I think China has contributed a lot to the freedom of navigation in the region."

About the strategic change on East Asia by the US, Liu Zhenmin says China is looking forward to enhancing cooperation with the United States in the East Asia summit, and believes ASEAN will continue to play a leading role in the East Asia summit.

On Myanmar related questions, Liu Zhenmin says the international community should support the construction of the country, and respect its people in choosing the direction of development.

Source:news.xinhuanet.com