On August 8, 2008, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi sent a message to Tej Bunnag, foreign minister of Thailand, the ASEAN chair, to express congratulations on the 41st anniversary of the establishment of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

In a congratulatory message, Yang said ASEAN is translating its dream of "One Vision, One Identity and One Caring and Sharing Community" into reality with the adoption of the ASEAN Charter and the vigorous efforts to promote ASEAN integration and East Asia cooperation. It is China's "sincere hope that ASEAN countries will further strengthen solidarity and coordination, maintain economic growth, promote social progress and enjoy greater vigor and vitality," said Yang.

"To advance China-ASEAN Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity is a firm policy of the Chinese Government," said the Chinese minister. "China will, as always, step up mutually-beneficial cooperation with ASEAN in various fields and work for the in-depth development of China-ASEAN Strategic Partnership," he said. Yang also said China will continue to support ASEAN's integration efforts and its role as the driving force for regional cooperation, and work with ASEAN to make fresh contribution to peace, stability and prosperity of the region.