China, ASEAN upgrade trade pact to deepen cooperation #CGTN

China and ASEAN countries recently enhanced their free trade agreement during a gathering in Malaysia. The updated pact broadens cooperation into key emerging sectors—such as the digital economy, green trade, and supply chain connectivity. Alongside the ASEAN Summit, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Leaders’ Summit was held—the first meeting of RCEP leaders since the agreement was signed five years ago. So, what are the main outcomes of this year’s summits? And what new opportunities could this upgraded FTA offer—not only for ASEAN and China but for the broader region as well?

Guests in this edition of Dialogue are Professor Rong Ying from Sichuan University; Peter Chang, research associate at the Malaysia-China Friendship Association; and Professor Anna Rosario Malindog-Uy, director and vice president for external affairs of the Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute.