China pitches itself as alternative to US protectionism after signing expanded ASEAN free trade pact
China's Premier Li Qiang gives his opening remark for the 28th ASEAN Plus Three Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Monday, Oct. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian, Pool)
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — China signed an expanded version of a free trade agreement Tuesday with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, with Chinese Premier Li Qiang pitching expanded economic ties with his country as an alternative to the protectionist policies of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Li Qiang told an ASEAN-China summit meeting after the signing that closer cooperation could help overcome global economic uncertainties. He said “pursuing confrontation instead of solidarity brings no benefit” in the face of economic coercion and bullying, in a swipe at the U.S.
“Unity is strength,” he said, citing remarks by President Xi Jinping m
Continue Reading on Manila Bulletin
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.