Li: Further cooperation sought with ASEAN members

China will further advance cooperation with member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, champion multilateralism and free trade, and safeguard world peace and development while upholding the concept of community with a shared future for mankind, Premier Li Keqiang said.

When delivering a speech via video at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit hosted by Vietnam on Friday, Li said Beijing is well aware of a great many difficulties and challenges it is faced with, which range from economic recession and shrinking trade to a continued surge of protectionism.

The premier said the Chinese people are resilient and market entities in China have strong confidence in the future.