BEIJING -- China on Tuesday welcomed a statement from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit and reaffirmed cooperation with ASEAN on the South China Sea issue. "We read the chairman's statement from the 30th ASEAN summit concerning the South China Sea issue. With the joint efforts, the situation is becoming more positive," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang at a daily press briefing. According to the statement, ASEAN leaders noticed improvements in cooperation between ASEAN and China, and welcomed progress on a framework for the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) to be completed mid-2017. China was ready to work with ASEAN countries to implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), deepen maritime cooperation, agree on a timely negotiation-based COC, and jointly maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, Geng said. The spokesperson said China and ASEAN members are scheduled to finish consultation on a draft COC in the first half of 2017. This year marks the 50th anniversary of ASEAN. Geng congratulated the organization on its development and spoke highly of the contributions it has made to regional peace, stability and prosperity. He also voiced support for ASEAN's efforts to build a community, its core status in regional cooperation and larger role in international and regional affairs. "We believe ASEAN will achieve greater development with the joint efforts from the Philippines, which holds the rotating chair, and other member states," Geng added. batman wristbandlost child wristbandmake your own rubber braceletcustom fidget spinnerssilicone keychain
BEIJING -- More than 200 Taiwan compatriots will attend a ceremony held on the mainland to pay homage to Huangdi, also known as the Yellow Emperor, on Tomb-sweeping Day which falls on April 5.Hung Hsiu-chu, former chairperson of the Kuomintang (KMT) party, and New Party chairman Yok Mu-ming will participate in the event, along with residents from the island, An Fengshan, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said at a press conference on Wednesday.The legendary emperor is considered the founder of the Chinese civilization and the ancestor of all Chinese.The annual gathering at the emperor's mausoleum in Huangling county, Northwest China's Shaanxi province, occurs on Tomb-sweeping Day, a holiday when Chinese mourn their deceased family members.
