China has strengthened its economic alliance with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations by signing an expanded version of their free trade agreement. As both regions encounter increasing protectionism from the United States, particularly under Chinese Premier Li Qiang's endorsement, the newly enhanced ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 aims for greater regional cooperation.

The signing took place during the annual ASEAN summit, a significant event witnessed by Premier Li and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the current ASEAN chair. This third revision of the agreement is poised to lower tariffs and boost the exchange of goods and services across a market exceeding two billion people, marking a pivotal step since the deal's original signing in 2002.

Besides reinforcing economic t

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