Under the theme “20 Years of ASEM: Partnership for the Future Through Connectivity,” the 11th Asia-Europe Meeting Summit was held in Mongolia on July 15. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang addressed the biennial meeting, which brings together high-level delegations from 30 European and 21 Asian countries.

The purpose of this year’s meeting was to promote connectivity and deepen cooperation. The Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) is now standing at the new starting point for building a community of common destiny and taking a more active role in regional and global governance.

In an era of globalization and regional cooperation, the interests and destinies of the two continents are increasingly intertwined. Two decades ago, when the ASEM was established, the impact of the Asian financial crisis was limited, and the European countries were immune. But now, Asian countries cannot escape the impact and influence of the European sovereign debt crisis, Brexit, and other international events. The deadly attacks that took place in Nice shortly before the meeting made it clear that Asia and Europe face the same issues.

In the face of severe regional and global challenges, no country or region is an island unto itself. Also, it is selfish and shortsighted to think that nations can shift their burdens to other countries or even intentionally create conflict in order to benefit from the misfortunes of others. The right attitude is to unify and cooperate to achieve mutual benefit.

All parties should strive to build a community of common destiny as well as foster the consciousness of shared responsibility through connectivity and substantial cooperation, so that the ASEM will shoulder the responsibility in regional and global governance and bring benefits to people on both continents.

China has always contributed to the ASEM. During the past two decades, China has proposed nearly 70 initiatives to the meeting, driving forward its development. With China’s growing strength and involvement in international and regional affairs, it has become increasingly instrumental in shaping the ASEM’s future.

China combines its own development with Asia-Europe cooperation. At the 10th ASEM Summit, Li advocated for greater connectivity as well as the liberalization of trade and investment in Asia and Europe. At this year’s meeting, China then introduced the overall conception for ASEM development in aspects of innovating ideas, increasing momentum and fortifying foundations.

China also put forward proposals for practical cooperation to coordinate economic policies and enhance trade and investment liberalization in the region. Moreover, China also has promoted connectivity in Asia and Europe through the “Belt and Road” initiative, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the Silk Road Fund and other platforms. As a major economy in the region, China has extensive and solid cooperation with countries in Asia and Europe. It is becoming the new driving force for regional cooperation as well as a main supplier of public goods.

Sure, difficuties always arise during the process of development. Disagreements due to different national conditions, cultures and histories inevitably happen. Together with protectionism, a Cold War mentality, zero-sum thinking and other counterproductive attitudes, these differences of opionion hinder cooperation. But differences should strengthern our resolve to acheive consensuses. Rather, they are the motive to strengthen cooperation. Indeed, the community of common interests and destiny will become solid only when it can stand the trial of time and space after it breaks through the roadblocks in the process.

The article was translated from People’s Daily. Cui Hongjian is director of the Department for European Studies at the China Institute of International Studies.