Asia boasts a vast territory, a long history, a large population and, in particular, diverse cultures. However, the continent still faces many challenges, which requires sincere cooperation of all Asian countries and joint efforts of all its people.

Maintaining peace is always of utmost importance. For decades China has adhered to and advocated the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence in its relations with other countries and on hotspot issues. Peace is the prerequisite and guarantee for the development that Asian countries are pursuing, as well as a common, long-term goal for Asian people.

In this big family of Asia, mutual assistance and support are essential to realize common prosperity, which was well reflected during the 1997 Asian financial crisis and the 2008 global financial crisis, and also in the aftermath of natural disasters such as the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004, the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in China and the 2011 earthquake off the Pacific coast of Japan.

Against the backdrop of the rising protectionism, isolationism and unilateralism of the United States, Asian countries need to enhance their communication, coordinate their stances, and jointly address various challenges, so as to safeguard the hard-won momentum for development in the region.

To achieve common prosperity, Asian countries need to focus on three things.

The foremost is economic development. Japan, the Republic of Korea and Singapore are highly developed. There are a considerable number of moderately developed countries and regions in Asia with large middle-class populations, and also many developing countries. The region as a whole has an enormous untapped consumer market.

From this perspective, mutually beneficial cooperation between Asian countries is supported by favorable conditions.

In terms of cooperation mechanisms, there are mature models such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the ASEAN+3(China, Japan and ROK), and the China-ROK-Japan cooperation. A good starting point for further cooperation would be to develop the cooperation mechanism between South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation and China or the China-ROK-Japan bloc.

In terms of trade arrangements, the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area has been developed successfully and is being upgraded. The China-ROK-Japan FTA negotiations have also gathered speed, and, when completed, it would inject impetus into Asia integration and even the entire Asia-Pacific region.

The Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China has been widely recognized and actively participated in by other Asian countries. Currently, infrastructure building remains a focus for Asian countries. Connectivity will effectively drive further development and eventually sustained prosperity.

Second, exchanges and communication between different cultures are important. Asian cultures are in various forms and substances in different religions. We need to respect the values of different cultures, enhance exchanges between different civilizations and promote mutual inclusiveness, understanding and respect through activities in the fields of culture, sports, tourism and education.

Asian countries could organize more cultural, film, music and book festivals and encourage more artists to participate in people-to-people exchanges. Efforts should be made to increase student exchanges in more forms and disciplines.

People-to-people exchanges are key to harmonious relations between different countries, which calls for greater efforts from governments, social groups and business.

Last but not the least, global exchanges and cooperation should be emphasized while highlighting the Asian spirit and regional cooperation. In multilateral organizations such as the United Nations, Asian countries should make their positions clear and contribute more to promoting international relations and global peace. On fundamental issues such as upholding the free trade system, Asian countries need to coordinate their stances and propose their own solutions.

As a major country in Asia and the only Asian country in the Permanent Five of the UN Security Council, China needs to shoulder its responsibilities for peace, development and prosperity of the continent.

In Northeast Asia, unremitting efforts should be made to realize denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. At the same time, China, Japan and the ROK need to promote cooperation and commit to people-to-people exchanges of a larger scale, especially those between young people.

In Southeast Asia, it is imperative to implement the consensus reached by leaders, promote strategic partnerships across the board and enhance the interconnectivity between the Belt and Road Initiative and the ASEAN countries.

China and South Asian countries have seen close ties since ancient times when both Chinese and Indian civilizations made outstanding contribution to the progress of Asian and even global civilization. In the 21st century, it is necessary for China and India to enhance their dialogue and understanding, strengthen mutual trust and cooperation and work jointly to contribute to full emergence of Asia.

Mongolia and countries in central and western Asia are important hubs along the Belt and Road routes. As economic cooperation is vigorously promoted, tourist routes should be developed to enhance mutual understanding, so as to promote harmonious coexistence and common prosperity.

To secure long-term prosperity and sustainable development, special attention should be given to environmental protection while pursuing economic development. This includes enhancing public awareness, setting standards and advocating environmentally friendly lifestyles and technologies.

In a nutshell, the prospects for Asia and for cooperation between China and other Asian countries are bright.

The author is the vice-president of China Public Diplomacy Association.

The author contributed this article to China Watch exclusively. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of China Watch.

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