'Cold War Competitiveness Shouldn't Exist In Apac'

Beijing believes that Indonesia and Asean countries will make independent judgements and choices in the fundamental interests of stability, development and prosperity in the region, Foreign Minister Qin Gang said.

Speaking at a press briefing with his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi on Wednesday, Qin said new Cold War competitiveness of great powers should not appear in the Asia-Pacific, and countries in the region should not be forced to take sides.

On the topic of Myanmar, Retno said she appreciates Beijing's support for Asean's five-point peace consensus agreed to bring about an end to hostilities in the military-ruled country.

"As Asean chair, Indonesia will embark on engagements with all stakeholders in Myanmar, with the one goal of opening up a possibility of an inclusive national dialogue in Myanmar," she added.

Retno also said negotiations on creating a code of conduct on the South China Sea, which has been two decades in the making, will be intensified.

"Indonesia and Asean would like to produce an effective, substantive and actionable [code of conduct]," she said.

Qin, who is visiting Jakarta until Thursday, added that Beijing and Jakarta will jointly safeguard the peace and stability of the waterway. (Reuters)