On April 4, 2003, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing met with ambassadors to China from the 10 member countries of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Li spoke highly of the friendly cooperative relations between China and ASEAN, saying both China and the ASEAN countries were developing countries, and economic development is their common task and maintaining a peaceful and stable regional and international environment is in their common interests. The new Chinese government would further promote friendly and reciprocal cooperation with ASEAN members with "regarding neighbors as good friends and partners" as the guiding principle.

Li briefed the guests on the efforts of the Chinese government to combat Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). He said that the Chinese government had attached importance to fighting the disease and taken a series of effective measures, adding that the disease is now under control. The Chinese side was willing to strengthen communication and cooperation with neighboring countries. The Thai Ambassador to China, Don Pramudwinai, said at the meeting that he was glad to go to Guangzhou in the afternoon according to schedule. Li expressed his belief that the Thai ambassador would have a happy stay in Guangzhou and fulfill his tasks.

Li said that the Taiwan authority's claim that it had no access to prevention information from the mainland about SARS was groundless. Li quoted Health Minister Zhang Wenkang as saying, "The people in Taiwan are our blood brothers, and blood is thicker than water," adding that the mainland was willing to provide necessary help to our Taiwan compatriots in terms of SARS countermeasures and prevention.

The ambassadors expressed their willingness to further promote cooperation with China.