This year marks the 50th anniversary of the funding of ASEAN, and the 20th year of ASEAN cooperation with China, Japan and South Korea. Next year is the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the China-ASEAN strategic partnership.

Ties between China and ASEAN countries are now in a significant period. China has put out a series of cooperation initiatives covering areas such as economic relations, food safety, poverty reduction, tourism, and the fight against corruption.

This meeting will focus on development and cooperation, promote economic, social development and nontraditional security ties, and send a positive signal.

Premier Li will visit the Philippines after the meeting. And he will be the first premier to visit the country since 2007. Premier Li will meet with other officials, as well as sign documents on different areas. The visit will have significant meaning to both China and the Philippines.