China and ASEAN Strengthen Ties with Enhanced Free Trade Agreement Amid U.S. Tariffs

China and ASEAN signed an upgraded Free trade agreement in Kuala Lumpur, bolstering economic ties amid rising tariffs imposed by the U.S. under Donald Trump.

• China and ASEAN enhanced their economic partnership by signing an upgraded Free trade agreement that includes provisions for the digital economy and green technologies.
• The Free trade agreement aims to capitalize on the $771 billion bilateral trade between China and ASEAN, making ASEAN Chinas largest trading partner.
• The signing took place in Kuala Lumpur, with Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasizing the importance of deepening ties amidst the backdrop of increasing tariff tensions with the U.S.