From March 1 to 2, 2012, the 18th ASEAN-China Senior Officials' Consultations were held in Da Nang, Vietnam. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Fu Ying led a delegation to attend the consultations. Fu also co-chaired the meeting with Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Vinh.

Chinese and ASEAN senior officials exchanged in-depth views mainly on how to implement the initiatives raised at last year's Commemorative Summit Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations and discussed promotion of mutually beneficial cooperation in FTA construction, interconnectivity, maritime cooperation, social and cultural exchanges. All parties agreed that in the context of increasing uncertainty in the world economic situation, China and ASEAN should work together to strengthen unity and cooperation, maintain regional peace and stability, promote common development and achieve mutual benefit and a win-win situation. At the meeting, all parties reaffirmed they will continue to effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and promote pragmatic cooperation in the South China Sea.

The Chinese side pledged to continue to support ASEAN's community building, help ASEAN to narrow the development gap, and support ASEAN to play a leading role in regional cooperation. ASEAN appreciates China's long-term support and help, and spoke highly of the positive role of China in regional and international affairs.

The atmosphere of the meeting was frank and friendly. Both sides decided to hold the 19th China-ASEAN Senior Officials' Consultations in China next year.