On May 12, 2017, Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Beijing with Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Pehin Dato Lim Jock Seng of Brunei, who was in China for the high-level meeting of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF).

Wang Yi expressed that attaching great importance to China-Brunei strategic cooperative relations, China regards the country as a trustworthy and sincere friend and cooperation partner. China is willing to, together with Brunei, constantly expand bilateral relations in the process of the joint construction of the “Belt and Road”, so as to become a better cooperation partner to each other. The Chinese side stands ready to make joint efforts with Brunei and other ASEAN countries to well safeguard the peace and stability in the South China Sea. It is hoped that the Bruneian side could continue to play an active role in the development of China-ASEAN relations.

Pehin Dato Lim Jock Seng said that China’s initiative of hosting the BRF has historical significance and global influence, and wished the forum a success. Brunei-China relations enjoy a sound development. The investment of Chinese enterprises in Brunei sees a rapid growth as well as a smooth progress in cooperation. It is hoped that both sides could further enhance practical cooperation in trade and investment under the framework of the promotion of the “Belt and Road” construction. Brunei stands ready to continue to play an active role in properly handling the South China Sea issue.