The 9th Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Plus China, Japan and South Korea (10+3) will be held on Monday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The following is a chronology of ASEAN+3 summit which was initiated by ASEAN on its 30th anniversary in 1997.

Dec.15, 1997 -- China attended the first ASEAN+3 summit in Kuala Lumpur, capital of Malaysia. At the meeting, the leaders reached consensus on the prospect for East Asia in the 21st century, and development and cooperation in the region. Chinese President Jiang Zemin delivered an important speech titled "Join Hands in Cooperation and Build a Future Together" which reviewed the great changes and improvements in East Asian countries over the previous three decades.

Dec. 16, 1998 -- The 2nd ASEAN+3 summit was held in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam. The leaders exchanged views on strengthening cooperation between East Asian countries, overcoming difficulties caused by the financial crisis an maintaining peace, stability and development in the region. They unanimously agreed that the summit was of great importance for the ASEAN countries, and China, Japan and South Korea.

Chinese Vice President Hu Jintao delivered a speech offering China's advice for the East Asian countries on overcoming the financial crisis and resuming economic growth.

Nov. 28, 1999 -- Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji attended the third ASEAN+3 summit in Manila, the Philippines, offering China's advice on the direction and scope of cooperation among the East Asian countries. A Joint Declaration on Cooperation for East Asia was issued at the end of the summit.

Nov. 24, 2000 -- The fourth ASEAN+3 summit was held in Singapore. At the meeting, the leaders exchanged views on the prospects and cooperation of East Asian countries. Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji elaborated on China's views and advice on these issues.

Nov.5, 2001 -- Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji attended the fifth ASEAN+3 summit in Seri Begawan, Brunei. The leaders discussed the East Asia Prospect Group Report, and exchanged views on strengthening cooperation and communications in various fields for East Asia.

Nov. 4, 2002 -- The sixth ASEAN+3 summit was held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. At the meeting, Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji expressed China's determination, and its attitude, on joining the regional cooperation.

Oct.7, 2003 -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao attended the seventh ASEAN+3 summit in the Indonesian island resort Bali. Leaders at the meeting discussed regional and international political, security and economic issues, as well as cooperation and partnership between ASEAN and the three countries.

Nov. 29, 2004 -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao attended the eighth ASEAN+3 summit in Vientiane, Laos. Significant progress has been made in the building of China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (FTA) with the conclusion of an agreement on trade in goods. ASEAN has announced its recognition of China as a full market economy.

Source: Xinhua