China and ASEAN reaffirmed the establishment of the East Asia community as a long-term goal, according to a joint statement issued Monday in Naning.

The joint statement, entitled "Towards An Enhanced China-ASEAN Strategic Partnership", was inked by leaders of China and ASEAN countries following a China-ASEAN summit commemorating the 15th anniversary of the establishment of China-ASEAN dialogue.

China and ASEAN nations pledge to consult closely on sub- regional, regional and international issues and to cement cooperation in these fields, the statement says.

China supports ASEAN's role as the driving force in regional processes, such as the ASEAN Regional Forum, ASEAN Plus Three 10+3) cooperation and East Asia Summit, according to the statement.

"ASEAN believes that a stable, developing and prosperous China will contribute to peace, stability and sustainable growth for the development of the region," it says.

ASEAN also reaffirms its one-China policy in the statement.

The summit opened Monday afternoon in Nanning, capital of South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Source: Xinhua