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.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Play, subscribe and stand a chance to win prizes worth over RM39,000! T&C applies.
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
