On April 2, 2013, the 19th China-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Senior Officials' Consultation was held in Beijing. Senior officials from ten ASEAN countries and representative of ASEAN Secretariat attended the consultation meeting, which was co-chaired by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui and Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Thailand's permanent secretary for foreign affairs. Thailand currently serves as the coordinator country of China-ASEAN relations.

During the meeting, the participating officials spoke highly of the achievements made since China and ASEAN established a strategic partnership ten years ago, expressing the belief that a sound China-ASEAN relationship is of great significance to promoting peace, stability and development in East Asia. China and ASEAN should strengthen communication and coordination, promote mutual trust, deepen cooperation in FTA construction, interoperability, maritime affairs, science, technology and culture, and jointly enhance the development of East Asia. China and ASEAN also agreed to co-host celebrations on the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-ASEAN strategic partnership and further expand friendly communication and cooperation in all fields.

The participants agreed that maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea is in the common interests of the countries in the region, and helps promote the China-ASEAN strategic partnership. All parties agreed to commit themselves to fully implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. They pledged to make joint efforts toward "a code of conduct in the South China Sea" on the basis of consensus and continue to exchange views on the issue.