DAP: The breaking news in Cambodia: “Integration to be best way for ASEAN in 21st century: Malaysian PM” plus 9 more

BALI, Indonesia, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- The best way to strengthen ASEAN and enhance its status in the global arena is deepening regional integration, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said ahead of the 19th ASEAN Summit and related Summits.

"The global economy is just that: global. ... We must engage with this reality, and the best way for ASEAN's members to tackle the current crisis and put ourselves in the strongest possible position for the years ahead is not to pull apart but to come closer together," he said in his bylined article published Friday in The Jakarta Post.

He said in late 2011, the development of ASEAN is close to securing the most crucial stage -- the ASEAN Community, but the Community is not about trying to create some tropical facsimile of the European Union.

"We are not thinking about a single currency or open borders or a central bank. We are forming a more consolidated ASEAN, a stronger union based on three pillars -- mutual security, an integrated economy and socio-cultural ties," he said.

Talking about the rising influences of the Asian region of which ASEAN is a part, he said, "If the 19th century belonged to the British Empire, and the 20th century to the United States, the 21st century is going to belong to Asia."

"If current trends continue, China will soon become the world's largest economy. Coupled with the continued strengthen of Japan and the rapid rise of India, these nations make Asia a force to be reckoned with, but also draws the balance of power toward the north and west of the continent," he added.

In this context, ASEAN can assume a larger and increased role at the regional and global level, as ASEAN is an important player on the global stage in terms of demography, geographical position and economic power.

At the end of the article, Najib reiterated the significance and necessity of regional integration and moving toward an ASEAN Community. "The benefits of closer integration and the dangers of increased isolation are both too great to let minor local differences create tensions and divisions between us. We need to be a community if we are to thrive not just survive, and now is the time to work together to make that commitment a reality," he said.

HANOI, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's benchmark VN-Index went down 6.24 points to close at 379.62 points on Friday against the previous trading day.

The VN-Index on the country's southern house named the Ho Chi Minh (HCM) City Stock Exchanged (HoSE) went down 6.24 points, or 1. 62 percent, against the previous trading day to close at 379.62 points on Friday.

During the week, VN-Index lost 16.68 points or 4.39 percent from last trading day's close. It experienced only one up and four downs, posting the highest level of 391.74 points on Monday and the lowest level of 379.62 points on Friday.

Last week VN-Index ranged from 396.3 points to 410.52 points.

A total of 34.394 million shares worth 542.901 billion Vietnamese dong (25.85 million U.S. dollars) changed hands at the HoSE on Friday, an increase of 1.42 percent in volume, but a decrease of  2.45 percent in value against Thursday.

On the Hanoi Stock Exchange (HSX) the HNX went down 0.7 point, or 1.11 percent, to 62.18 points on Friday.

Insiders held that domestic stock markets kept plunging during the week due to investors' disappointment towards the result of the State Securities Commission's recent meeting. Accordingly, no stimulating solutions to boost the market in the short term were discussed and the legal framework, which will be applied in coming time with the aim of helping the market develop sustainably, failed to lift investors' mood.

The VN-Index fell under the 400-point level since last Friday, and there is not any sign for its recovery in a short time.

With prediction of the consumer price index (CPI) in November is to rise by less than 1 percent, that means monthly inflation would rise at a rate of less than 1 percent, deposits offer positive gains, while the securities market witnesses low value, the VN-Index will probably not reach 485 points as was earlier predicted, said the State Bank of Vietnam.

Compared to the first transaction of the year, when VN-Index posted at 485.97 points and HNX-Index at 111.95 points, the two bourses lost 106.35 points and 49.77 points, respectively.

HANOI, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's vice minister on Friday called for further promotion for boarder trade with China as the border area is considered as a gate of the country's northern key economic zone.

Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade (MIT) Nguyen Cam Tu told a conference on boarder trade in 2006-2011 that the trading activities in the border areas with China have not been promoted in recent years.

According to a report by head of MIT's mountainous trade department, Tran Bao Giam, the land borderline with China runs through seven Vietnamese provinces and two Chinese provinces.

During the period from 2006 to 2011, the Vietnamese government and relevant agencies have issued appropriate policies and regulations in accordance with the border trade development, including providing favorable conditions for goods exports that contributed to promoting economic development in both countries, Giam said in the report.

With the ASEAN-China free trade area, the project "two corridors, one economic belt," and the expansion of the " cooperation in the sub-Mekong region," the Vietnam-China border gates help boost trade exchange not only between the two countries, but also between Vietnam and other countries, said an MIT report.

According to MIT, trade turnover during 2006-2010 in Vietnam's seven northern border provinces with China, namely Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Cao Bang, Ha Giang, Lao Cai, Dien Bien and Lai Chau, annually increased 16.6 percent, with a total value of more than 23.85 billion U.S. dollars.

Trade activities in the northern border areas should be further promoted and put under mid- and long-term strategies, with close control over programs to develop border trade with China, particularly expansion of the exports, said the deputy minister.

MIT suggested building a mechanism for re-investment from the state budget aimed at developing technical infrastructure in the border areas and encouraging more investors to invest in building goods distribution and transit centers and working as contacts for trade exchange of goods, Tu added.

PARIS, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- A fire in the southwestern French city of Charente killed two people and injured 11 others, local medias said on Friday.

Two men aged 70 and 80 years old were found dead after a fire broke out around 2:30 a.m. local time (0130 GMT) at a retirement home which housed 81 people, the report said.

The wounded have been evacuated and hospitalized with one of them in grave condition, it added.

Investigation is going on to confirm if the blaze was caused by a smoldering cigarette.

CAMBODIA, PHNOM PENH, Nov 18, 2011-The disaster management committee announced on Friday that the lighting strike has been killed 160 people so far this year.Last year, it killed 114 people.

 Keo Vy, spokesman for the disaster management said the lighting strike injured138, and killed 60 cattle and destroyed four houses.

The most cases of lighting strike occurred in Battambang province, Kampong Cham, Prey Veng, Takeo, Pursat provinces. On November 17, 2011, one of 4 fishermen in Sihanouk died of lighting strike and other injured while they do fishing at the sea. Vy said: Royal Academy of Cambodia is searching to help local people to prevent the lighting strike.

BALI, Indonesia, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao Friday delivered a statement at the 14th China-ASEAN summit held on Indonesia's Bali island. The following is the full text of the statement.

 Statement by H.E. Wen Jiabao

Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China

At the 14th China-ASEAN Summit as a Commemorative Summit

To Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of China-ASEAN Relations

Bali, 18 November 2011

Your Excellency President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono,

Dear Colleagues,

I am delighted and excited to be back in the beautiful island of Bali after a period of eight years to attend the Commemorative Summit to Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of China-ASEAN Relations. This is the right time and place for us to express our thanks and appreciation to all those who have contributed their share to boosting the growth of China-ASEAN relations and who are working to advance these relations.

The establishment of dialogue relations between China and ASEAN in 1991 is a landmark event. It demonstrates how, with strategic vision and courage, our two sides followed the trend of the times and explored ways to promote regional cooperation, thus inaugurating the historic process of China-ASEAN relations.

- We have abided by the principle of mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs and worked to strengthen political mutual trust. The ASEAN countries follow the one China policy, support China's peaceful reunification, and accommodate China's concerns on major issues of principle involving China's sovereignty. China respects ASEAN countries' independent choice of path of development and values,supports ASEAN in handling disputes in its own way and opposes outside interference in ASEAN's internal affairs.

- We have pursued mutual benefit, mutual support and mutual learning in the course of cooperation to achieve common development. China-ASEAN trade is expected to surpass US$350 billion this year, which is over 40 times that of 1991. China is now ASEAN's largest trade partner, and ASEAN is the third largest trade partner of China. China has provided assistance and help with sincerity to ASEAN countries to help them boost economic development and improve people's lives. We have also shared experience and drawn on each other's strength in governance.

- We have demonstrated solidarity in times of adversity, met challenges head-on and turned them into opportunities. We worked together to fight the 1997 Asian financial crisis and put into place the ASEAN Plus Three cooperation mechanism. We have joined hands in countering the unprecedented international financial crisis and completed the building of China-ASEAN Free Trade Area on schedule. We have extended mutual sympathy and mutual support in fighting major natural disasters and epidemics and explored ways to establish effective early-warning, prevention and control, and rescue and relief mechanisms.

- We have remained firm in our commitment to peaceful coexistence and good-neighborly relations and endeavored to foster a secure and harmonious regional environment. We have resolved disputes and handled outstanding issues through dialogue and consultation. We are committed to the building of the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone. We cherish our traditional friendly ties and are dedicated to forging lasting China-ASEAN friendship.

Many leaders of ASEAN countries have told me that ASEAN's relations with China are the most practical, most extensive and most fruitful. I couldn't agree more. China and ASEAN countries are all developing countries. We pursue economic development and improvement of people's lives as the most urgent and important task, and place top priority on bringing tangible benefits to our peoples and our region. China and ASEAN countries enjoy geographical, cultural and historical proximity, maintain close contacts and exchanges in various fields, and have unique and favorable conditions for carrying out cooperation. Being open and inclusive and acting with great perseverance, China and ASEAN countries have maintained vigor and vitality.

As strategic partners for peace and prosperity, China and ASEAN have engaged in exchanges and cooperation in wide-ranging areas and at a level unseen in the past, and we have formed a community of common destiny sharing a common stake. The tremendous achievements made by China and ASEAN have contributed significantly to improving people's wellbeing in the region and the lofty cause of peace and development, and produced far-reaching impact on the progress of Asia and the world at large.

Dear Colleagues,

The world is undergoing profound and complex changes. The international financial crisis has entered its fourth year, and the current global economic and financial scene still gives no reason for optimism. Economic recovery in some developed countries lacks momentum, and those countries are plagued by serious financial and debt crises. Emerging and developing countries are ascending on the world stage, but taken as a whole, they are still not strong enough. Social turbulence has erupted in west Asia and north Africa. Global food, energy and environment challenges pose a growing threat to the sustainable development of mankind. The global economy may experience uncertainty and instability for a long time to come.

With sustained and rapid economic growth and social stability, East Asia is the most dynamic region in the world with the greatest potential for development, and ASEAN and China have won wide international recognition and attracted much attention for their important contribution. On the other hand, we should be keenly aware that in the era of deepening globalization, no region or country can prosper on its own and be immune to external shocks, and the severe external environment is bound to exert a negative impact on East Asia. At the same time, the weak links and problems in China and ASEAN will hinder our efforts to enhance our competitiveness. We should be both confident and sober-minded, seize opportunities to enhance cooperation and jointly tackle challenges. And we should keep our destiny firmly in our own hands and do not slacken pace or waver in our advance in the direction we have set for ourselves to pursue our goal. To promote the future growth of China-ASEAN relations, it is important that we observe the following principles:

First, we should enhance strategic consultation and mutual trust. China will never seek hegemony and is opposed to all hegemonic acts. We are committed to a policy of building good-neighborly relations and partnership with our neighboring countries, and we abide by the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. The disputes over the South China Sea between the relevant countries in the region have existed for many years. They should be settled through friendly consultation and negotiation between the sovereign states directly concerned. Outside forces should not get involved under any excuse. In 2002, China and ASEAN countries signed the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and agreed to advance practical cooperation and work for the final conclusion of a code of conduct. This is the common desire of ASEAN countries and China. We stand ready to work actively with ASEAN countries to fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, enhance practical cooperation and begin discussions on a code of conduct in the South China Sea.

Second, we should pursue economic development and social progress as a top priority. Both China and ASEAN countries are in a crucial stage of development. We should better coordinate development strategies, draw on mutual strengths and promote cooperation in more fields and at a higher level. We should enhance self-generating dynamism to speed up economic development, make life better for our peoples and advance the modernization drive to achieve full prosperity in East Asia.

Third, we should adhere to ASEAN centrality in promoting East Asian cooperation. China supports ASEAN integration and community building and welcomes a stronger and more influential ASEAN. We are confident that ASEAN is fully capable of leading East Asian cooperation. China will open a permanent mission to ASEAN next year. We will continue to support ASEAN and work with it, and we will continue to take 10+1 as the foundation,

10+3 as the main vehicle and the East Asia Summit as an important supplement in pursuing East Asian cooperation.

Fourth, we should uphold our common interests in the multilateral field. As developing countries in the same region, we hold similar positions and views, face the same situations and challenges, and pursue the same goals on many key issues. China and ASEAN are both strategic forces for peace and development. We need to closely coordinate our positions and work to build a fair and equitable new international political and economic order.

Dear Colleagues,

There is a solid foundation and huge potential for China-ASEAN practical cooperation, and we are well placed to achieve more ambitious goals. We should follow closely new developments, enhance coordination, establish and improve cooperation mechanisms, deepen cooperation in priority areas and open new areas of cooperation to achieve greater success. To this end, I propose that we take the following steps:

First, expand cooperation in trade and investment. We should fully implement all the agreements on the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) and improve the FTA to create more benefits to the peoples and businesses of the two sides. China will continue to send trade and investment promotion missions to ASEAN countries and open an exhibition center for ASEAN products in Nanning, Guangxi to promote sustained and balanced growth of our trade. China will increase investment in ASEAN countries, step up efforts to transfer advanced and applicable technologies to them and work with ASEAN countries to enhance our economic competitiveness.

Second, give high priority to connectivity and other infrastructural development. To promote smooth and efficient cooperation in this priority area, China proposes the establishment of a China-ASEAN committee on connectivity cooperation, with the goal of realizing land transport connectivity between China and the ASEAN countries concerned at an early date. China attaches great importance to building a network of maritime connectivity with ASEAN countries. We are ready to take active steps to open shipping routes of freezer vessels, ro/ro and container liners with ASEAN countries and facilitate passenger and cargo transport by sea. The US$15 billion credit committed by the Chinese government in 2009 has supported over 50 infrastructure projects covering almost all ASEAN countries. Here, I wish to announce that China will provide an additional US$10 billion credit, including US$4 billion preferential loans.

Third, deepen financial cooperation. China is ready to take the following steps to intensify cooperation with ASEAN countries: increase cooperation between our central banks and exchanges among financial experts; increase access to each other's financial markets through mutual opening of branches of financial institutions; step up dialogue and cooperation between regulatory authorities; increase local currency swap and encourage the quoting of RMB and ASEAN currencies in each other's inter-bank foreign exchange markets; phase in a cooperation mechanism on inter-bank local currency clearing and promote bilateral local currency settlement; enhance the role of the China-ASEAN Inter-Bank Association to provide diversified financial services to Chinese and ASEAN businesses; and jointly improve the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralization and other regional currency swap mechanisms to fully enhance East Asia's ability to conduct financial crisis rescue and ensure regional financial stability.

Fourth, expand practical maritime cooperation. China will establish a three billion yuan China-ASEAN maritime cooperation fund. Our cooperation in this area may start with marine research and environmental protection, connectivity, navigation safety, search and rescue, and combating transnational crimes, and gradually expand into other fields, with the goal of developing multi-tiered and all-round maritime cooperation between China and ASEAN. China proposes that the two sides set up a mechanism to study the initiative and work out a plan for cooperation.

Fifth, advance cooperation in science, technology and sustainable development. China proposes that 2012 be designated the year of China-ASEAN science and technology cooperation and offers to host the first 10+1 science ministers' meeting in China. The two sides should move quickly to sign the China-ASEAN Agreement on Science and Technology Cooperation and launch partnership program in science and technology. China will work to advance exchanges and cooperation with ASEAN in green economy, energy conservation, environmental protection, new energy and renewable energy.

Sixth, work harder to promote cooperation in social areas and areas important to people's livelihood. China is ready to set up ten vocational education and training centers to help ASEAN countries develop human resources needed in economic and social development. China proposes that the two sides establish a contact mechanism for disaster management and humanitarian assistance, share information and technology, and explore the possibility of setting up a China-ASEAN reserve center for disaster relief supplies. We also propose the opening of a China-ASEAN research center on traditional medicine. China is ready to set up a cultural ministers meeting mechanism with ASEAN. We propose that its first meeting be held next year to discuss an action plan on China-ASEAN cultural cooperation.

Today, the China-ASEAN Center is officially inaugurated. Both sides should give full support to the center so that it can facilitate the friendly exchanges and cooperation between China and ASEAN.

President Yudhoyono,

Dear Colleagues,

China and ASEAN countries speak highly of the progress made in the growth of China-ASEAN relations in the past 20 years, and we have put forward important and constructive proposals on the direction and priority areas for our future cooperation. China-ASEAN relationship is solidly-based and has great potential and a promising future. China will forever be a good neighbor, good friend and good partner of ASEAN. We will work closely with you to implement all the agreements we have reached to bring more benefit to our people and make greater contribution to peace and prosperity in our region.

PHNOM PENH, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Friday donated 300 agricultural tractors, worth 3 million yuan (472,300 U.S. dollars), to Cambodia as disaster-relief assistance for the recent floods.

The donation ceremony was held at the Peace Palace and attended by Men Sam An, Cambodia's permanent deputy prime minister, and visiting Yang Daoxi, vice chairman of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

"The donation is very important to relieve Cambodia's difficulties in re-planting rice paddies and other crops after the floods,"  Men Sam An said.

"On behalf of the government of Cambodia and Cambodian people, I'd like to express my heartfelt thanks to the Chinese government and people for their high attention to Cambodian people's well- being and Cambodia's  development."

She said the tractor donation was in addition to the financial aids of 50 million yuan (7.87 million U.S. dollars) and 1.5 million U.S. dollars that the Chinese government provided to Cambodia last month as flood relief assistance.

Cambodia had suffered the worst flooding in the last decade since August. At least 250 people were killed and some 1.5 million others affected, according to the reports of the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM).

Meanwhile, Yang Daoxi said that his visit to Cambodia was also to strengthen and expand trade and investment relationship between Guangxi and Cambodia.

Yang also asked the Cambodian government to give full support to Guangxi's investment projects in the country, especially in the fields of mineral resources (iron mining) and agricultural processing plants.

BEIJING, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) have said they would strengthen military exchanges and cooperation.

The two sides vowed to do so during an official goodwill visit from Nov. 15 to 18 to the DPRK by a senior Chinese military delegation led by Director of the General Political Department of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Li Jinai.

During a meeting with Li, top DPRK leader Kim Jong Il said the military relationship is an important part of the ties between the two countries. He said he hoped the two militaries would continue to improve their ties so as to help consolidate and develop the China-DPRK friendship.

Li said the Chinese military, in accordance with the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, is willing to work with the DPRK in the new historic era to enhance understanding and mutual trust and strengthen practical exchanges. This would promote the all-round development of China-DPRK relations, which are neighborly and friendly, he said.

Li also met with some senior DPRK military officers. During the meetings, Li expounded China's views on the current international and regional situations.

The Chinese official reiterated the Chinese government's principles and stand on issues related to the Korean Peninsula, and expressed China's willingness to make joint efforts with the DPRK to maintain regional peace and stability.

Li's visit was at the invitation of the DPRK's Armed Forces Department.

KABUL, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Afghan and the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) captured several anti-government militants in Helmand province 555 km south of Afghan capital Kabul on Thursday, a press release of the alliance said Friday.

"A combined Afghan and coalition security force detained multiple suspected insurgents during an operation in Nawah-ye Barakzai district, Helmand province, yesterday," the press release said.

"The force conducted the operation after receiving a tip that insurgent leaders were meeting at a compound in the area. After calling for the men inside to come out peacefully, the insurgent leaders, with several subordinates, emerged and were detained without incident," the press release said but did not give details.

Taliban militants fighting Afghan and NATO-led forces have yet to make comment.

CHANGSHA, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Three people died at the scene and 24 were injured when a bus crashed into a toll station on a highway in central China's Hunan Province Friday, the local government said.