Counsellor Wang Jinfeng, Director of the Office of ASEAN Affairs from Chinese Embassy, said that China was the first ASEAN Dialogue Partner to accede to the TAC and commit to developing the strategic partnership for peace and prosperity with ASEAN, according to a press release from the ASEAN Secretariat.

"China firmly supports the leading role of ASEAN in East Asia cooperation," said Wang.

Sayakane Sisouvong, ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General for ASEAN Political-Security Community, said that China's ratification of the Third Protocol signifies its strong support for ASEAN to ensure a durable peace and stability, as well as to continue playing an important role to create an environment conducive for cooperation in Southeast Asia and beyond.

The protocol will enter into force following the ratification by all TAC signatories.