Pursuant to the Joint Declaration of the Heads of State/Government of the Association of South East Asian Nations and the People’s Republic of China on Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity signed at the Seventh ASEAN-China Summit on 8 October 2003 in Bali, Indonesia, this Plan of Action is formulated to serve as the “master plan” to deepen and broaden ASEAN-China relations and cooperation in a comprehensive and mutually beneficial manner for the next five years (2005-2010) with the view to strengthening the strategic partnership for regional peace, development and prosperity and playing a proactive role to tap the opportunities and meet the challenges of the new millennium.

 

This Plan of Action will also support the implementation of the Declaration of ASEAN Concord II, signed in Bali on 7 October 2003, leading to an ASEAN Community.

 

In the light of the above, ASEAN and China will pursue the following joint actions and measures:

 

1. POLITICAL AND SECURITY COOPERATION

1.1 Regular High-level Contacts, Visits and Interactions

1.1.1 Increase regular high-level bilateral visits and interactions, improve contacts and communications, and promote dialogue on ASEAN-China cooperation and regional and international topics of common interests and concerns, among others, through strengthening existing mechanisms, establishing hotline for communications, using electronic mail for dissemination of information and correspondence, and holding informal meetings to exchange views on various issues.

1.2 Mechanisms for Dialogue and Cooperation

1.2.1 Strengthen the role of the ASEAN-China Senior Officials Consultation (SOC) in assisting the ASEAN-China Summit and the ASEAN-China Ministerial Meeting in providing guidance and strategic direction to further enhance ASEAN-China dialogue relations and cooperation;

1.2.2 Enhance the role of the ASEAN-China Joint Cooperation Committee Meeting (JCC), ASEAN-China Working Group on Development Cooperation, and the Senior Economic Officials-Ministry of Commerce of China (SEOM-MOFCOM) Consultations in monitoring, coordinating, and reviewing ASEAN-China dialogue relations, including development cooperation;

1.2.3 Improve coordination and communication among existing ASEAN-China mechanisms at various levels and sectors, including foreign affairs, economics, transport, customs, youth, and prosecutors-general to ensure timely and effective implementation of decisions and initiatives taken at the ASEAN-China Summit and other related ministerial and senior officials’ meetings;

1.2.4 Explore, if and when necessary and based on mutual consensus, the need for additional mechanisms at appropriate levels in other areas of cooperation such as agriculture, public health, information technology, tourism, environment, quality supervision inspection and quarantine cooperation, public security and law enforcement cooperation; and

1.2.5 Facilitate dialogue, exchanges and cooperation between defence officials of China and ASEAN Member Countries, where appropriate.

1.3 Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia

1.3.1 Continue to promote the role of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia as a code of conduct for inter-state relations in Southeast Asia; and

1.3.2 Cooperate to urge other ASEAN Dialogue Partners to accede to the Treaty so as to enhance regional peace and security, prosperity, and mutual confidence and trust.

1.4 Protocol to the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone

1.4.1 China supports ASEAN’s efforts towards realising a Southeast Asia Nuclear- Weapon Free Zone (SEANWFZ) and reaffirms its readiness to sign the Protocol to the SEANWFZ Treaty at an early opportunity; and

1.4.2 Cooperate in encouraging all the Nuclear Weapon States to sign the Protocol.

1.5 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea

1.5.1 Implement in an effective way the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DoC) in the South China Sea to maintain regional stability and promote cooperation in the South China Sea;

1.5.2 Convene regular ASEAN-China Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) on the realisation of the DoC to provide guidance for and review the implementation of the DoC;

1.5.3 Establish a working group to draw up the guidelines for the implementation of the DoC and to provide recommendations to the ASEAN-China SOM on policy and implementation issues;

1.5.4 Promote joint cooperation and dialogue in areas such as marine scientific research, protection of the marine environment, safety of navigation and communication at sea, search and rescue operation, humane treatment of all persons in danger or distress, fight against transnational crimes as well as cooperation among military officials;

1.5.5 Promote trust and confidence building through cooperative activities, in accordance with the principles of the DoC, in particular, those of consultations and consensus among the concerned Parties in the South China Sea, pending the peaceful settlement of the territorial and jurisdictional issues as stated in the DoC;

1.5.6 Affirm the vision of the DoC state parties to work, on the basis of consensus, on the eventual adoption of a code of conduct in the South China Sea; and

1.5.7 Adhere to the terminologies used in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and other instruments of the International Maritime Organisation.

1.6 Cooperation in the Field of Non-traditional Security

1.6.1 Implement measures and activities agreed upon under the Joint Declaration of ASEAN and China Cooperation in the Field of Non-traditional Security Issues signed on 4 November 2002 in Phnom Penh and the ASEAN-China Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the Field of Non-traditional Security Issues signed on 10 January 2004 in Bangkok;

1.6.2 Jointly develop the 2005 Work Plan and subsequent annual work plans to implement the ASEAN-China MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Non-Traditional Security Issues focusing on substantive activities and projects of mutual interests;

1.6.3 Enhance cooperation in the fight against transnational crimes through existing mechanisms such as the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime and China Consultation, ASEAN-China Cooperative Operations in Response to Dangerous Drugs (ACCORD), ASEAN Plus Three Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime and the ASEAN Plus Three Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime;

1.6.4 Promote contacts and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and prosecution bodies on criminal justice and relevant legal systems;

1.6.5 Increase personnel exchanges, training programmes and seminars to share best practices and experiences on procedures and law enforcement for concluding bilateral and multilateral agreements on counter-terrorism, illicit drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, illegal migration, sea piracy, and international economic crimes, and to enhance competence in criminal technology, forensic sciences, immigration, road transport management, and investigation into cyber crimes;

1.6.6 Explore cooperation, where appropriate and in accordance with their national law, in intelligence-sharing, investigation and evidence-collection, arresting and escorting criminal suspects and retrieving stolen goods or money;

1.6.7 Promote Alternative Development (AD) as an effective means to prevent and eliminate illicit drugs;

1.6.8 Support joint research between experts and scholars in the field of non-traditional security issues; and

1.6.9 Initiate and support development projects that aim at eradicating poverty and socio-economic disparity and injustices as well as promoting the elevation of standard of living, in particular, of underprivileged groups and people in underdeveloped areas; as transnational crime and terrorism cannot be successfully eliminated without identifying, addressing and eradicating the root causes in order to prevent new recruits to criminal syndicates and terrorist entities.

1.7 Military Exchanges and Cooperation

1.7.1 Promote mutual confidence and trust in defence and military fields with a view to maintaining peace and stability in the region;

1.7.2 Conduct dialogues, consultations and seminars on security and defence issues;

1.7.3 Strengthen cooperation on military personnel training;

1.7.4 Consider observing each other’s military exercises and explore the possibility of conducting bilateral or multilateral joint military exercises; and

1.7.5 Explore and enhance cooperation in the field of peacekeeping.

 

2. ECONOMIC COOPERATION

2.1 ASEAN-China Free Trade Area

2.1.1 Expedite the implementation of the ASEAN-China Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation to liberalise and promote trade in goods and services and create a transparent, liberal and facilitative investment regime;

2.1.2 Fulfil obligations and commitments under the Early Harvest Programme and the ASEAN-China Trade in Goods Agreement and expedite negotiations on Trade in Services and Investment;

2.1.3 Enhance trade, investment and economic cooperation as well as upgrade technical cooperation;

2.1.4 Establish channels of communication with all the stake holders, such as government officials, chamber of commerce and industry, research institutions, think-tanks, etc., for the successful implementation of the Framework Agreement on ASEAN-China Comprehensive Economic Cooperation; and

2.1.5 Strengthen the economic and technical cooperation in the areas of agriculture, information and communication technology, human resource development, investment, Mekong River basin development, Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), and other areas of mutual interest so as to reach the goal of common development and prosperity of China and ASEAN.

2.2 Investment Cooperation

2.2.1 Promote mutual investments by increasing exchanges and mutual understanding among investment authorities, including the private sectors in ASEAN Member Countries and China;

2.2.2 Promote networking and cooperation among governments, business associations, academic institutions and corporations, among others, through promotion fairs on investment policies in China and ASEAN Member Countries and by holding regular ASEAN-China Exposition in Nanning, China, and if or when appropriate in ASEAN;

2.2.3 Promote mutual understanding and cooperation among enterprises in ASEAN Member Countries and China, among others, through the chambers of commerce, the ASEAN-China Business and Investment Summit and the ASEAN-China Business Council;

2.2.4 Encourage enterprises in China to make ASEAN a priority investment destination and vice versa, and create a more conducive and attractive climate for the flow of such investments; and

2.2.5 Strengthen the law enforcement and regulations so as to provide favourable conditions for investments.

2.3 Financial Cooperation

2.3.1 Strengthen economic review and policy dialogue through the ASEAN Plus Three framework, including the development of early warning system and monitoring of short-term capital flows;

2.3.2 Promote closer financial cooperation and greater financial stability in ASEAN Plus Three countries;

2.3.3 Promote dialogues on macro-economic and financial policies in appropriate fora;

2.3.4 Enhance the effectiveness of the Chiang Mai Initiative;

2.3.5 Develop and deepen regional bond markets;

2.3.6 Promote regional financial and monetary integration;

2.3.7 Strengthen human resource development and capacity building in banking and financial sectors, particularly under the ASEAN Plus Three cooperation; and

2.3.8 Enhance cooperation and technical assistance to develop ASEAN-China capital markets.

2.4 Agricultural Cooperation

2.4.1 Continue implementing the MoU between the ASEAN Secretariat and the Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China signed on 2 November 2002 in Phnom Penh;

2.4.2 Enhance cooperation on human resources development through training courses, including on agricultural techniques and management;

2.4.3 Establish technology demonstration farms, including the establishment of technology demonstration zones;

2.4.4 Undertake hi-tech exchanges and promote cooperation in various key areas of mutual interest such as hybrid rice and corn, horticultural plants cultivation, bio-technology application, fertiliser, water management, post harvest technology, food security, aquaculture, livestock breeding, organic farming and marsh gas application in the rural areas;

2.4.5 Support economic and trade cooperation through training, seminars, exhibitions, shows and project demonstrations to promote the trade of farm tools, processing machinery and techniques and equipment, agricultural production materials, grains and improved species;

2.4.6 Enhance technical exchanges and cooperation among agricultural experts and agriculture-related enterprises for study, observation, and training in agriculture, fisheries and agriculture-related fields;

2.4.7 Improve agricultural productivity and diversification;

2.4.8 Promote Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) agricultural exchanges and development among GMS member countries, in cooperation with the Asian Development Bank (ADB);

2.4.9 Enhance trade and marketability of food, agriculture and forestry products/ commodities between ASEAN and China;

2.4.10 Enhance cooperation to adopt joint approaches, where appropriate, in international and regional issues pertaining to agriculture;

2.4.11 Promote sustainable management of forest resources through enhancing dialogue and cooperation;

2.4.12 Harmonise related protocols on food safety and organise a network of food laboratories in ASEAN and China; and

2.4.13 Build the capacity of farmers and farming community in ICT in ASEAN and China.

2.5 ICT Cooperation

2.5.1 Expedite the implementation of the MoU between ASEAN and China on Cooperation in Information and Communications Technology signed in October 2003 in Bali, Indonesia;

2.5.2 Promote the establishment and development of ASEAN-China broadband high-speed optical fibre network and information flow and the application of new technology in the region;

2.5.3 Promote HRD cooperation through various training courses, seminars, workshops as well as exchange of visits among ICT experts;

2.5.4 Establish the ASEAN-China ICT cooperation website;

2.5.5 Explore the possibility of convening ASEAN-China ICT Ministers’ Meeting to foster ICT policy dialogues and cooperation;

2.5.6 Convene “ASEAN-China ICT Week” on a regular basis to promote ICT cooperation;

2.5.7 Formulate cooperative and emergency response procedures for purposes of maintaining and enhancing cybersecurity, and preventing and combating cybercrime; and

2.5.8 Strengthen cooperation in research and development and transfer of technology.

2.6 Transport Cooperation

2.6.1 Conclude MoU between ASEAN-China on Transport Cooperation and implement the measures and activities contained in the MoU;

2.6.2 Formalise a consultation mechanism for maritime transport cooperation under the ASEAN-China Transport Ministers’ Meeting in close coordination with other related ASEAN fora and carry out mutually beneficial projects in such areas as maritime safety and security, search and rescue at sea, marine environmental protection against pollution from ships, ship ballast water management, port state control and international shipping;

2.6.3 Work towards developing and signing a ASEAN-China regional maritime transport cooperation framework agreement;

2.6.4 Support the development of the Asian Highway Network by taking measures such as establishing routes databases, harmonising technical standards of infrastructure and facilities and facilitating international land transport;

2.6.5 Complete Kunming-Bangkok highway by the end of 2007; and

2.6.6 Strengthen capacity building in port management, navigation channel technology, transportation infrastructure design and construction and other areas of common interest in the transport sector.

2.7 Tourism Cooperation

2.7.1 Explore the possibility of establishing a high-level cooperation mechanism between relevant tourism authorities;

2.7.2 Promote better understanding of each other’s tourism industry, policies, laws and regulations, among others, through workshops, exhibitions, and shows;

2.7.3 Promote and strengthen tourism information exchange and cooperation on regulating tourism markets among national tourism organisations covering areas such as tourism products, policies, laws and regulations;

2.7.4 Encourage flows of tourists and attract more foreign visitors through joint promotion campaigns;

2.7.5 Promote networking and training programmes among ASEAN and China tourism schools and colleges;

2.7.6 Jointly formulate tourism development plans incorporating joint promotion, marketing, investment and human resource development;

2.7.7 Support the organisation and implementation of ASEAN tourism investment road shows and seminars;

2.7.8 Encourage each other participation in International Tourism Fair in China and the annual ASEAN Tourism Forum;

2.7.9 Enhance cooperation on rectifying tourism business operators and standardising outbound travels and border tours; and

2.7.10 Encourage participation in the capacity-building activities provided by the World Tourism Organisation (WTO).

2.8 Energy Cooperation

2.8.1 Explore the possibility of establishing a high-level cooperation mechanism between relevant energy authorities;

2.8.2 Strengthen policy exchanges and communication with a view to promoting greater openness, transparency, and cooperation in energy security and sustainable energy development activities;

2.8.3 Enhance cooperation in the development and production of renewable energy, energy efficiency and conservation, clean coal technology and energy policy and planning, as well as in the establishment of institutional linkages for developing other programs of cooperation;

2.8.4 Strengthen energy cooperation and encourage greater private-sector participation and investment in joint energy resource exploration and development;

2.8.5 Cooperate in the promotion of energy conservation and the development of clean and efficient energy resources in efforts to diversify sources of primary energy supply while preserving a balance between energy production, consumption and environmental protection;

2.8.6 Establish a sound and commercially viable regional energy transportation network through mutually beneficial activities and investments including the exploration and production of oil and natural gas, development of gas pipeline and transport infrastructure, and other supply facilities; and

2.8.7 Encourage exchange of information on energy pricing and market stabilising initiatives to better manage the risks of international oil market volatility, on voluntary basis.

2.9 Mekong River Basin Development Cooperation

2.9.1 Strengthen cooperation under the framework of the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) and ASEAN-Mekong Basin Development Cooperation (AMBDC); and

2.9.2 Develop the Singapore-Kunming Rail Link.

2.9.1.1 Transportation

2.9.1.1.1 Build railways and roads from Kunming to Yangon and Myitikyina;

2.9.1.1.2 Improve the roads from China’s Yunnan province to Viet Nam and the railway links between China and Viet Nam;

2.9.1.1.3 Carry out possibility study of building railway links from China to Laos and Myanmar;

2.9.1.1.4 Consider implementing measures to improve navigational safety on the Lancang-Mekong River in a sustainable manner through consultations among the riparian countries, while undertaking to preserve the environment and unique way of life of the people who live along the river;

2.9.1.1.5 Consider the further expansion of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the navigation channel improvement project on the upper Mekong River, and share information with the lower Basin countries;

2.9.1.1.6 Consider the possibility to open more aviation routes in the sub-region at an appropriate time; and

2.9.1.1.7 Carry out preliminary study on the missing rail link between Phnom Penh and Loc Ninh, the missing section in Cambodia which is part of the Singapore-Kunming Rail Link.

2.9.1.2 ICT

2.9.1.2.1 Promote international cooperation in terms of investment and human resources development on ICT; and

2.9.1.2.2 Explore the possibility of establishing a GMS information highway.

2.9.1.3 Trade

2.9.1.3.1 Launch the experimental project of one stop inspection under the Agreement for Facilitation of Cross Border Movement of Goods and People between and among GMS Countries whose modalities are subject to consultation and consensus among countries concerned so as to facilitate trade; and

2.9.1.3.2 Explore the possibility study of setting up commodity markets in major border cities and other distribution centres in ASEAN and China.

2.9.1.4 Tourism

2.9.1.4.1 Explore the possibility of establishing a regional tourism corridor with a view to making tourism a key industry in the region.

2.9.1.5 Electrification

2.9.1.5.1 Implement the GMS Inter-Governmental Agreement on Regional Power Trade (IGA) and speed up the formulation of Sub-region Power Trade Operating Agreement (PTOA);

2.9.1.5.2 Promote GMS transnational electric power networking conducive to environmental and social well-being; and

2.9.1.5.3 Enhance cooperation on rural electrification.

2.9.1.6 Environmental Protection

2.9.1.6.1 Enhance cooperation on the protection of bio-diversity in the sub-region and explore the possibility of establishing a bio-diversity corridor;

2.9.1.6.2 Promote forestation in Lancang-Mekong River basin and Honghe River basin to bring soil erosion under control;

2.9.1.6.3 Work towards managing and monitoring water quality of Mekong river;

2.9.1.6.4 Establish nature reserves to protect rare species, among others, through the mechanism of the relevant environmental instruments, such as the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution and the ASEAN Declaration on Heritage Parks;

2.9.1.6.5 Continue to protect the environment and promote sustainable use including the equitable access and benefit sharing of the sub-region’s shared natural resources and their biodiversity;

2.9.1.6.6 Promote exchange of information and strengthen cooperation concerning the use of water in the Lancang-Mekong River, with a view to achieve sustainable development of all riparian countries; and

2.9.1.6.7 Promote cooperative activities to address global warming.

2.9.1.7 Public Health

2.9.1.7.1 Establish an integrated prevention and control system for communicable and non-communicable diseases;

2.9.1.7.2 Promote Alternative Development (AD) to check drug production and distribution; and

2.9.1.7.3 Strengthen cooperation to prevent production and spread of counterfeit drugs.

2.9.2 Other Sub-regional Initiatives

2.9.2.1 Support other sub-regional development initiatives and welcome Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) as further means to narrow the development gap.

2.10 Initiative for ASEAN Integration

2.10.1 China will intensify support for the ASEAN’s integration efforts by implementing Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) projects and providing technical assistance for projects developed to implement the Vientiane Action Programme (VAP) and other related ASEAN action programmes, including human resource development and capacity building for the least developing countries (LDC) of ASEAN and pockets of underdevelopment in the ASEAN-6 countries; and

2.10.2 China will support ASEAN’s efforts to narrowing the development gaps within ASEAN and between ASEAN and China by enhancing regional and sub-regional development.

2.11 Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA)

2.11.1 Explore the possibility of establishing a regular dialogue between BIMP-EAGA Secretariat and China;

2.11.2 Strengthen cooperation in the priority sectors identified for BIMP-EAGA development, namely SMEs, agriculture, transport, infrastructure and ICT, natural resources, and tourism;

2.11.3 Cooperate in resource development through direct investment, project-contracting and technology-sharing;

2.11.4 Increase dialogue between the East Asian Business Council (EABC) and relevant associations in China (i.e., China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, its quasi-government business chamber), apart from government-to-government dialogue, to strengthen coordination and synergise links among the private sectors of China and EAGA;

2.11.5 Promote and support the efforts of the BIMP-EAGA and the East Asian Business Council to expand mutual trade and investments between BIMP-EAGA and China; and

2.11.6 Provide opportunities for possible technical and capital assistance for BIMP-EAGA programs and projects.

2.12 SMEs Cooperation

2.12.1 Explore the possibility of establishing a SMEs Joint Committee to discuss issues and promote cooperation related to SMEs;

2.12.2 Jointly identify possible areas of cooperation, including promotion of business collaboration, investment and finance, and marketing development, capacity building for SMEs, business matching, and exchange of information on SMEs policies and best practices through seminars, workshops, networking, research and development for SMEs, and promotion of industrial clustering between SMEs of both sides; and

2.12.3 Promote programmes for enhancing ASEAN Small and Medium Enterprise and Industries’ capacity, technology, financing, business opportunities and market access.

2.13 Industrial Cooperation

2.13.1 Strengthen cooperation in HRD and exchange of experience in the formulation of plans and models of local industries.

3. FUNCTIONAL COOPERATION

3.1 Public Health Cooperation

3.1.1 Establish regional epidemiological and laboratory networks based on existing national and regional institutions and designate key epidemiological centres and laboratories for disease monitoring to ensure effective and efficient disease surveillance and response;

3.1.2 Enhance regional, and inter-regional cooperation in order to jointly control and prevent communicable and non-communicable diseases;

3.1.3 Establish mechanisms on early notification, control and monitoring of infectious and emerging diseases such as, but not limited to, SARS, avian flu, plague, cholera and HIV/AIDS;

3.1.4 Strengthen technology exchanges and training activities and health human resources development through seminars and the establishment of training bases;

3.1.5 Exchange experts, knowledge and best practices for the establishment of communicable diseases monitoring systems;

3.1.6 Consider the establishment of a cooperation mechanism on health quarantine;

3.1.7 Establish joint testing and control mechanism for the prevention of transnational transport of bio-terrorist factors as well as nuclear and radioactive materials for non-peaceful activities;

3.1.8 Enhance regional, inter-regional cooperation to jointly resolve and prevent immediate public health problems and other infectious diseases;

3.1.9 Exchange experts for promotion and development of traditional and alternative medicines; and

3.1.10 Promote exchange of information in incorporating traditional medicine/ complimentary and alternative medicine (TM/CAM) into national healthcare system.

3.2 Science and Technology Cooperation

3.2.1 Strengthen cooperation in implementing HRD and joint research and development activities in the areas identified by the ASEAN-China Joint Science and Technology Committee (JSTC), including biotechnology, remote sensing, seismology, food, marine science, non-conventional energy and materials science and technology, and other new areas which are mutually beneficial;

3.2.2 Implement joint scientific research and technology development activities among research institutions in ASEAN and China in the areas identified by the JSTC;

3.2.3 Organise various scientific workshops and seminars in China, specifically for CLMV countries or other ASEAN countries, which are technologically less developed on applicable technologies;

3.2.4 Strengthen cooperation among technology-oriented SMEs of ASEAN and China;

3.2.5 Organise exhibition on technological innovation by China-ASEAN SMEs during China-ASEAN Expo; and

3.2.6 Explore cooperation in space technology applications and meteorology.

3.3 Education Cooperation

3.3.1 Continue to implement the ASEAN-China Academic Cooperation and Exchange Programme between ASEAN University Network (AUN) and Chinese Ministry of Education (CME);

3.3.2 Carry out joint research and training and exchange outstanding professors, teachers and students with the ASEAN University Network (AUN) as the platform;

3.3.3 Promote teaching of each other’s language in China and ASEAN Member Countries and encourage more students to study in each other’s universities;

3.3.4 Encourage and support inter-collegiate exchanges and cooperation;

3.3.5 Promote mutual recognition of academic degrees among interested universities in ASEAN and China;

3.3.6 Facilitate the establishment of a directly linked university website between China Education and Research Network (CERNET) and AUN;

3.3.7 Consider establishing a civil servant training and exchange mechanism between China and ASEAN countries, including diplomats training;

3.3.8 Continue to provide additional scholarships for short and long-terms to ASEAN Member Countries, especially to the less developing countries;

3.3.9 Encourage participation in educational exhibition or road shows between ASEAN and China universities to create awareness and disseminate information about the universities in the respective countries; and

3.3.10 Facilitate visa procedure for Chinese students and faculties who travel to ASEAN Member Countries for academic purposes and vice versa.

3.4 Culture Cooperation

3.4.1 Expedite the formulating of implementation plans after the signing of the ASEAN-China MOU on Cultural Cooperation;

3.4.2 Conduct active exchanges and cooperation in literature, the performing arts, visual arts, art education and cultural industry;

3.4.3 Encourage and support cooperation between departments of historical relics, archaeology and cultural heritage preservation, museums, archives, libraries, and cultural institutes;

3.4.4 Strengthen coordination and communication between and among cultural departments of national governments and encourage non-governmental cultural and art groups to engage in multilateral cultural exchanges;

3.4.5 Step up cooperation to explore market for cultural products and vigorously develop cultural industry;

3.4.6 Support each other on hosting high-profile cultural and art events;

3.4.7 Jointly preserve and promote national traditional festivals;

3.4.8 Encourage and support sports exchanges and cooperation; and

3.4.9 Promote socio-culture cooperation by commencing the development of SMCE and sharing experiences in the field of socio-culture on theme “One Village One product” and in the field of Development of Cultural Mapping.

3.5 Labour and Social Security Cooperation

3.5.1 Exchange information, through seminars or workshops, on labour market promotion with a view to formulating policies and regulations on labour flow in the future;

3.5.2 Exchange information and share experiences on labour laws and regulations with a view to promoting and enhancing the labour standards and the well-being of workers from ASEAN and China;

3.5.3 Strengthen exchanges and cooperation in human resources development with China’s assistance to ASEAN for training courses, study-tours and seminars; and

3.5.4 Strengthen cooperation in the development of social security systems with China’s support in providing professional training for social insurance personnel from ASEAN Member Countries.

3.6 Human Resources Development (HRD) Cooperation

3.6.1 Continue the promotion of HRD cooperation through the implementation of HRD programmes benefiting participants from both sides;

3.6.2 Strengthen HRD cooperation in the five priority areas under the ASEAN-China cooperation and other new and emerging areas of cooperation in ASEAN, among others, through training courses, study tours and seminars; and

3.6.3 Encourage private sector participation in the human resource development process.

3.7 Local Government Cooperation and People-to-People Exchanges

3.7.1 Exchanges Between Local Governments

3.7.1.1 Facilitate provinces/cities to become sister provinces/cities and to encourage governors and mayors to conduct dialogue and exchanges;

3.7.1.2 Hold experience-sharing meetings and seminars for local governments in urban planning, administration and external cooperation through, among others, the ASEAN Environmentally Sustainable Cities Programme; and

3.7.1.3 Support local governments’ participation in the multilateral cooperation activities.

3.7.2 Non-governmental Exchanges and People-to-People Interaction

3.7.2.1 Explore the possibility of establishing exchanges and cooperation through the China-ASEAN Association and other non-governmental friendship institutions in various fields.

3.7.3 Youth Exchanges

3.7.3.1 Exchange volunteers in medical service and language teaching;

3.7.3.2 Continue the Lancang-Mekong River Youth Friendship Voyage;

3.7.3.3 Explore the possibility of establishing a ASEAN-China Young Entrepreneurs Forum;

3.7.3.4 Organise activities, such as ASEAN-China Youth Festival of Culture and Arts and ASEAN-China Youth Leadership Exchange Programme and support other cultural immersion programmes, including the existing annual ASEAN Youth Camps, and other activities for young leaders, outstanding youths and future leaders;

3.7.3.5 Establish link between the Youth ASEAN and All China Youth Federation websites;

3.7.3.6 Implement ASEAN-China Exchange Programmes for Young Managers and Entrepreneurs;

3.7.3.7 Consider organising annually ASEAN-China Young Leaders Forum to address topics such as economy, trade, human resource development, information and communication technology, education, environmental protection, agriculture and volunteers services; and

3.7.3.8 Consider holding ASEAN Young Leaders’ Advanced Study class on a regular basis starting from September 2005 at the Guangxi International Young Exchange Institute of China.

3.8 Environmental Cooperation

3.8.1 Strengthen existing ministerial and senior officials consultations (ASEAN Plus Three Environment Ministerial Meetings and ASEAN Plus Three Senior Officials Meetings on the Environment) to implement identified-priority and potential areas of cooperation;

3.8.2 Convene, if necessary, a ASEAN-China Ministerial Meeting on Environment for policy dialogue, and establish a ASEAN-China joint committee for environmental protection to formulate work plans;

3.8.3 Strengthen cooperation in the ten agreed priority areas of cooperation under the ASEAN Plus Three cooperation;

3.8.4 Promote exchanges and cooperation between non-governmental environmental organisations and the general public; and

3.8.5 Explore the establishment of an ASEAN-China Environment Information Network.

3.9 Media Cooperation

3.9.1 Explore the possibility of setting up a press officials’ dialogue mechanism for communication and exchange on news reporting and media policies;

3.9.2 Continue to implement the ASEAN-China Seminar on Mass Media Cooperation and share the experience of the development of media industry as well as promote media cooperation;

3.9.3 Co-host film and TV festivals in ASEAN and China;

3.9.4 Promote mutual visits and exchanges of journalists and strengthen cooperation in news reporting, press interviews and production of TV programmes;

3.9.5 Cooperate in making films and production of TV programmes, and promote exchanges of programmes;

3.9.6 Facilitate market access of audio-visual products through dialogue and consultations;

3.9.7 Undertake personnel training for the technicians and professionals in the TV and broadcasting sectors of ASEAN countries;

3.9.8 Advance and reinforce a positive international image of ASEAN and China relations supportive of the interests, policies, programmes and goals of both ASEAN and China through responsible news reporting; and

3.9.9 Establish a workshop on Enhancing ASEAN-China Cooperation through Information and Media.

4. COOPERATION IN INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL FORA

4.1 East Asia Cooperation

4.1.1 Strengthen East Asia cooperation by implementing the short-term, and medium and long-term measures of the East Asia Study Group (EASG) and enhancing functional cooperation in the various agreed sectors within the ASEAN Plus Three framework;

4.1.2 Carry out a joint study on the establishment of an East Asian community and the feasibility of an East Asia Free Trade Area within the ASEAN Plus Three framework;

4.1.3 Strengthen coordination and cooperation between ASEAN and China to further the ASEAN Plus Three process; and

4.1.4 Cooperate in promoting the interests and addressing the challenges facing ASEAN Plus Three Countries and East Asia through fora such as the ASEAN Plus Three Summit, East Asia Forum, Network of East Asia Think Tanks, and other related meetings, including the proposed East Asia Summit.

4.2 Inter-regional Cooperation

4.2.1 Maintain close coordination and cooperation in the ARF and promote its healthy development. China supports ASEAN as the major driving force in ARF and its efforts to advance the ARF process at a pace comfortable to all;

4.2.2 Promote the ACD process through cooperation on energy, agriculture, finance as well as other fields;

4.2.3 Promote coordination and cooperation in fora such as APEC and the Asia-Europe Meeting; and

4.2.4 Promote South-South cooperation through mechanisms such as Forum of East Asia and Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC) and Asia-Africa Sub-Regional Organisation Conference (AASROC).

4.3 Cooperation in the UN

4.3.1 Strengthen dialogue and cooperation on issues of mutual interest, such as UN reforms, counter-terrorism, development and other issues; and

4.3.2 Enhance closer coordination and hold regular meetings between the Permanent Representatives of ASEAN Member Countries and China in the UN.

4.4 Cooperation within the World Trade Organisation (WTO)

4.4.1 Make efforts to push for the completion of the negotiations on the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) with a view to achieving a well balanced and equitable outcome as stipulated in the July 2004 package;

4.4.2 Make the existing Special and Differential Treatment (S&D) as well as Less-than-Full-Reciprocity principle more precise, effective and operational to provide opportunity for developing members to participate more actively and enable them to derive benefit from trade liberalisation;

4.4.3 Support and work towards expanding technical assistance and help on capacity-building for developing countries;

4.4.4 Strengthen cooperation in the multilateral trading system, especially the WTO, to make it more responsive to the priorities of the developing countries;

4.4.5 Effectively address particular concerns of developing and less developed members through specific flexibility provision; and

4.4.6 Support the accession of Laos and Viet Nam to the WTO at the earliest possible time.

5. FUNDING

5.1 The activities mentioned in this Plan of Action will mainly be funded by ASEAN-China Cooperation Fund (ACCF) while cooperation in public health will be funded by the ASEAN-China Public Health Cooperation Fund. Where possible, physical infrastructure and related projects will be supported by the Government of China to the best of its capacity, and where feasible, by the Governments of ASEAN Member Countries.

5.2 The Chinese Government will contribute US$ 5 million to the ACCF for five years (2005-2010) to implement the various activities and projects under this Plan of Action. If necessary, China will consider replenishing the ACCF to ensure smooth implementation of activities and projects under this Plan;

5.3 ASEAN and China will encourage international financial institutions/ agencies, development partners and their respective private sectors to participate in the implementation of major projects of interest to them under this Plan of Action; and

5.4 ASEAN and China will continue to strengthen existing funding mechanisms and look into providing requisite resources in accordance with their respective capacities as well as explore effective and innovative resource mobilisation strategies for mobilising resources for the effective implementation of this Plan.

6. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

6.1 Concerned sectoral bodies in ASEAN and agencies in China will jointly draw up specific work programmes/projects to implement the various actions and measures outlined in this Plan of Action with the assistance of the ASEAN Secretariat. Experts from ASEAN and China could be invited, on a case-by-case basis, to develop specific work programmes and project proposals;

6.2 China will provide technical support to the ASEAN Secretariat in coordinating and implementing this Plan;

6.3 Regular review of this Plan will be conducted through existing mechanisms, such as the ASEAN-China Ministerial Meeting, ASEAN-China SOC, ASEAN-China JCC, SEOM-MOFCOM Consultations, ASEAN-China Working Group on Development Cooperation to ensure the Plan remains relevant to the needs and priorities of the ASEAN-China dialogue relations and to incorporate new and urgent areas of cooperation given the dynamic regional and international environment; and

6.4 Upon completion of this Plan, the ASEAN-China JCC with the assistance of the SEOM-MOFCOM Consultations and under the supervision of the ASEAN-China SOC will prepare a new five-year Plan of Action for the consideration and adoption of the ASEAN-China Summit through the ASEAN-China Ministerial Meeting.