Jakarta, 1 November 2011

Counsellor Wang Jinfeng, Director of the Office of ASEAN Affairs from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Jakarta, today presented the Instrument of Ratification of the Third Protocol Amending the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) to Mr Sayakane Sisouvong, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Political-Security Community.

At the event at the ASEAN Secretariat, Counsellor Wang highlighted that China was the first ASEAN Dialogue Partner to accede to the TAC and is committed to developing strategic partnership for peace and prosperity with ASEAN.

“China firmly supports the leading role of ASEAN in East Asia cooperation,” said Counsellor Wang. Mr Sisouvong said that China’s ratification of the Third Protocol signifies its strong support for ASEAN to ensure a durable peace and stability, as well as to continue playing an important role to create a conducive environment for cooperation in Southeast Asia and beyond.

The Protocol will enter into force following the ratification by all TAC signatories.