China and ASEAN sign upgraded free trade agreement

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AA) — China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) signed an expanded version of their free trade agreement Tuesday, marking a new phase in regional economic cooperation.

The ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 (ACFTA 3.0) seeks to strengthen economic resilience while promoting inclusivity and sustainability, according to Malaysia’s national news agency Bernama.

The signing took place on the final day of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, during the 28th ASEAN-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur. A video of the ceremony was shared on Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Facebook account.

In his opening remarks, Anwar praised ASEAN’s “wisdom to maintain centrality and friendly relations with all countries,” citing back-to-back engagements with both the US and China.

“This is what we consider a steady engagement that fosters trust and enables us to work through challenges together,” he said, calling the trade area “an important step in our economic cooperation.”

Chinese Premier Li Qiang said the upgraded pact opens new opportunities to expand bilateral trade and deepen economic partnerships, China’s state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier Tuesday, Anwar and Li held bilateral talks focused on cooperation in trade, investment, and technology, including the automotive and high-tech sectors.

Li also reaffirmed Beijing’s support for peace initiatives addressing the Cambodia–Thailand border dispute and pledged continued engagement in resolving the Myanmar crisis.

Both sides discussed collaboration in rare earth elements as part of broader efforts to diversify and strengthen economic ties.