On the morning of September 7, 2023 local time, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council attended in Jakarta of Indonesia the 18th East Asia Summit.

Li Qiang said that in recent decades, East Asia has seized the opportunities of the times in the trend of economic globalization and firmly embarked on the path of open development and win-win cooperation, becoming an important engine for promoting global development. He said, "We deeply understand the difficulties in development, the necessity of openness, and the value of peace. We also have a firsthand experience of the principle that unity leads to prosperity while division leads to decline."

Li Qiang pointed out that in the face of new situations and new challenges, the East Asia Summit should remain committed to its defined role and play a greater role in achieving long-term stability and sustainable prosperity in the region.

First, better play the role of promoting development and stimulate regional growth vitality. More wisdom and resources should be utilized to seek cooperation and promote development. It is necessary to adhere to economic globalization, and continue to push for the building of the Asia-Pacific free trade area. Second, better play the role of strategic dialogue and foster mutual understanding and mutual trust among all parties. China is ready to engage in in-depth dialogue and cooperation with all parties to better promote the common values of humanity, and implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, among others, proposed by President Xi Jinping. Third, better play ASEAN's leading role and jointly promote inclusive and mutually beneficial cooperation. Efforts should be made to maximize the accommodation of the demands of all parties and the inclusion of the interests of all parties, and achieve greater complementarity of strengths and build greater synergy.

Li Qiang said that China and ASEAN countries are actively promoting the consultation on the "Code of Conduct in the South China Sea". Li Qiang expressed his hope that countries outside the region will fully respect the efforts made by countries in the region to negotiate the rules of the South China Sea and maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea. Marine pollution has far-reaching impacts, and it is important to protect the marine ecosystem with a sense of responsibility towards history and humanity, safeguarding the "blue heart" of the Earth.

Li Qiang emphasized that China remains committed to the fundamental national policy of opening up to the outside world and continues to share development opportunities with other countries. All parties are welcome to actively participate in the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.

Leaders attending the summit said that peace and stability are the key to achieving development and prosperity. Countries in the region should uphold the role of the East Asia Summit as a strategic forum led by leaders, act upon multilateralism, strengthen constructive dialogue, and work together to address global challenges such as climate change, public health, energy, and food security, so as to foster a platform for regional cooperation and an epicentrum of growth, and promote regional and world peace and sustainable development.

The summit adopted the East Asia Summit Leaders' Statement on Maintaining and Promoting the Region as an Epicentrum of Growth.

Wu Zhenglong, among others, attended the summit.