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Bangkok Post
Bangkok Post
Business

China seeks upgrade of massive trade zone with Asean amid US hostility

China Asean Jayant Menon Beijing United States Supply chain
A Cambodian security official looks on ahead of the Asean Summit in Phnom Penh on Thursday. (AFP photo)

China is expected to start talks with Southeast 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 Southeast 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.

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