China and ASEAN expand free trade pact, offering an alternative to US protectionism

China signed an upgraded free trade pact with ASEAN, positioning itself as an alternative to US protectionism and emphasizing economic openness. The ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 expands the original agreement, covering over 2 billion people and including provisions for digital trade and green projects. Despite the pact, concerns over territorial disputes, particularly in the South China Sea, temper full trust in the partnership, with ASEAN aiming for a balanced approach.