The two leaders exchanged views on establishing a free trade zone between China and ASEAN.

双方还就建立中国-东盟自由贸易区问题交换了意见。

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Goh Chok Tong said the establishment of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Zone will be of much importance to China, but it will be of even greater strategic significance to ASEAN itself.

吴作栋表示，中国-东盟自由贸易区的建立对中国重要，但对东盟更具重要战略意义。

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He promised that all ASEAN parties will take an active attitude in speeding up the process of setting up the China-ASEAN Free Trade Zone.

他表示东盟各方将积极推动中国-东盟自由贸易区的进程。

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In China Daily, Prof Gong Jianhua, a maritime affairs specialist at Guangdong Ocean University, welcomes the new coast guard, but says China should promote joint development with neighbours in the South China Sea on the basis of a China-Asean free trade zone to ease "anxiety and suspicion".

BBC: China media: Railways ministry