China seeks upgrade of massive trade zone with Southeast Asian nations amid US hostility


China is expected to start talks with South-East Asian nations about an upgrade to their giant free-trade zone in a potential boost to the stability of Beijing’s manufacturing supply chains amid mounting rivalry with the United States.

Officials in Beijing have told state-run media they will approach leaders in the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean) bloc this week about accelerating negotiations for what they call the Asean-China Free Trade Area “Version 3.0”. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is in Phnom Penh this week to meet with the bloc’s 10 members during a series of summits.

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SCMP , China , Asean

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