It’s the second upgrade of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) that was first inked in 2002 - making it then China’s first free trade agreement and ASEAN’s first with a major external partner. It then came into effect in 2010, with negotiations for the first upgrade starting in September 2014 and coming into force since 2019.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday called for unity and coordination between China and ASEAN countries, citing “greater risks and challenges” posed by rising protectionism and external interference in the region.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Southeast Asia for the ASEAN Summit is expected to spotlight Beijing’s shifting trade and diplomatic priorities in the region. The discussions come as the region navigates rising U.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday urged Asia-Pacific leaders to choose dialogue over coercion and cooperation over confrontation, as he opened the East Asia summit at a time of sharpening rivalry between the United States and China.

ASEAN (in particular Malaysia) were key part of US Trade diversification from China Trade. Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Australia had key deals for the US

Asian shares rallied and U.S. futures jumped Monday, with Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 topping 50,000 for the first time. Work on trade deals that might alleviate friction between the U.S., China and other major trading partners contributed to upbeat sentiment as U.

NPR's Michel Martin speaks with former Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell about President Trump's visit to Asia, where he's looking to make deals and contain the rising influence of China.

President Donald Trump is working to strengthen U.S. trade relations with Asian countries while overseas this week.