Leaders of ASEAN, China, Japan and South Korea pose for a group photo prior to the 10th ASEAN plus three (10+3) summit in Cebu of the Philippines, Jan. 14, 2007.(Xinhua Photo/Yao Dawei) Photo Gallery >>>

    CEBU, Philippines, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said here on Sunday that China, Japan, South Korea and the 10 ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member countries should work together to build a harmonious East Asia of peace and prosperity.

    In a speech to attending leaders of the ASEAN plus three (10+3) summit here, Wen said in the past decade, participant countries of 10+3 cooperation have maintained a good momentum of growth and strong dynamism.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (C) shakes hands with South Korean President Roh Moo-Hyun (L) and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Cebu of the Philippines, Jan. 14, 2007. (Xinhua Photo/Yao Dawei)  Photo Gallery >>>

    "The growth of 10+3 cooperation has increased our mutual understanding and trust, boosted economic growth and social progress, promoted stability and development and enhanced the international standing of East Asia," he said.

    But Wen said participant countries in the cooperation should seize opportunities and avoid risks, strengthen the mechanisms of cooperation and work together to build a harmonious East Asia that features political mutual trust and coexistence, mutual economic benefit, mutual security and mutual cultural enrichment.

    He said that to achieve this goal, participating countries of 10+3 cooperation need to reach the following consensus: political mutual trust and harmonious coexistence, common development through win-win economic cooperation, mutual assistance, solidarity and cooperation in security, mutual cultural enrichment.