Brunei's sultan meets with Chinese defense minister

Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah met with visiting Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun on Tuesday.

Hassanal reaffirmed Brunei's firm commitment to the one-China policy, expressed appreciation for China's support for ASEAN centrality, and extended thanks to China for its assistance to Brunei's efforts to realize its national vision, Wawasan 2035.

Emphasizing that defense cooperation serves as a key pillar of the two countries' strategic cooperative partnership, he said Brunei looks forward to more port calls by the Chinese Navy.

For his part, Dong noted that China-Brunei military cooperation now faces important development opportunities, urging the two sides to build on the positive momentum to elevate all-dimensional cooperation, and deliver more tangible outcomes to contribute to building a China-Brunei community with a shared future and opening new prospects for bilateral relations.

Stressing that peace in the South China Sea bears on the common interests of all regional countries, Dong said that China stands ready to strengthen practical cooperation with Brunei in maritime security and other relevant fields to jointly safeguard peace and stability in the region.