MNI BRIEF: China Signs Upgraded ASEAN 3.0 FTA

China has officially signed an upgraded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with ASEAN nations, according to the Ministry of Commerce on Tuesday.

The FTA 3.0 upgrade encompasses nine key areas such as the digital economy, green economy, supply chain connectivity and customs procedures and trade facilitation. The upgraded agreement reflects a shared resolve among members to collaborate on addressing global trade and economic challenges, the ministry said. 

The parties will follow their respective domestic approval procedures, the ministry added. 

This week’s expected meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping is likely to provide a short-term fix to their nations’ disputes, Chinese policy advisors told MNI. (See MNI: More China-US Tensions Likely Despite)