BEIJING, Oct. 31 -- The get-together of the leaders from the 10 ASEAN countries and China yesterday in Nanning, Guangxi was a grand event to redefine a vision for their co-operation in the future.

    They were celebrating the 15th anniversary of the China-ASEAN dialogue partnership.

    The summit came as a reference point in rediscovering the roots of their strength and potential so that they could grow on them as they transform for the future.

    It was also a venue where they could appreciate the milestones of their past co-operation.

    Fifteen years ago, China and ASEAN decided to initiate a dialogue instrument. This has produced rich and tangible fruits in a wide range of sectors such as politics, trade, security, culture and tourism.

    On top of the annual China-ASEAN summit, known as "10 plus 1," their regular and diversified consultation and dialogue channels have solidified the political dimension of bilateral relations.

    More important, they help dispel misgivings and build mutual understanding. As a result, their co-operation in security goes deep and wide.

    While they celebrated 15 years of their active co-operation, it is important to reflect on the future.

    The joint declaration the 11 leaders issued is a political document carrying forward the cause and forging ahead into the future.

    They vowed to find innovative ways to take the relationship to new levels of interaction and mutual benefit.

    Forging a strategic partnership, China and ASEAN have gone beyond dialogue. China has appreciated the central role ASEAN has played in setting the scope and pace of regional co-operation.

    The strong bilateral ties between China and ASEAN have facilitated their trade and business.

    Inking the agreement on comprehensive economic co-operation in 2002, the two sides decided to form a free trade area (FTA) in 2010.

    This foretells an amazing picture for their future co-operation. When the FTA is done, China and ASEAN will have a combined population of 1.8 billion, with a GDP of 2 trillion U.S. dollars and a trade volume of 1.2 trillion U.S. dollars.

    This would be the FTA with the largest population in the world.

    There is reason to be optimistic. When the FTA is formed in 2010, the Ministry of Commerce believes that the two-way trade volume will hit 200 billion U.S. dollars.

    The initiatives that make the picture beautifully presentable are multiple. The annual China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning has turned out to be the locomotive of the increasing trade between the two sides.

    And the rich and diverse culture and heritage of China and ASEAN serve as a glue to bond their peoples.

    In close co-operation in almost all fronts, China and ASEAN have offered each other a wealth of opportunities rather than posing threats. China's interests coincide with those of the ASEAN countries.