BEIJING, Oct 31: Chinese and Southeast Asian leaders began a summit here on Monday to deepen relations centred around the creation of a giant free trade zone, but also to discuss regional concerns.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao greeted the 10 leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations before the opening ceremony for the China-Asean Commemorative Summit, which celebrates 15 years of dialogue relations.

China has been making efforts to emphasise its warming relationship with resource-rich Asean, downplaying the competitive threat from its economic might and forging efforts to boost development in Southeast Asia.

“During the past 15 years, China and Asean have together gone through the experience of eliminating suspicions and developing dialogue, as well as promoting mutual trust,” said summit co-chair Wen at the opening.

“China and Asean relations are at their historical best.” Philippine President Gloria Arroyo, the other co-chair for the summit, hailed the meeting as a milestone for Asean and said relations “have never been better.”

”This is an important state of affairs that can only help the region and the world,” said Ms Arroyo, whose country is the currently chair of Asean.—Reuters