China and Southeast Asian nations have inked an upgraded version of their free trade pact, amidst rising tensions with the US. The 3.0 version of the agreement is aimed at bolstering collaboration on infrastructure development, digital transitions, green technologies, and people-to-people exchanges between the two regions.
As China seeks to strengthen its economic ties in Southeast Asia, the region's largest trade partners, the partnership has been growing steadily over recent years. The China Plus One supply chain, which emerged after US President Donald Trump's trade war with China in 2018, has played a significant role in this growth.
With trade between China and ASEAN amounting to $785 billion in just nine months of 2025 – a year-over-year increase of 9.6 percent – the region is rapidly becoming an integral part of China's economic landscape.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang hailed the upgrade, describing it as "expanded and higher-quality economic cooperation" under the agreement. He praised ASEAN nations for promoting "fruitful results in cooperation in various fields," noting a steady growth in trade volume and closer people-to-people exchanges between the two regions.
Professor Zhiwu Chen of the University of Hong Kong called the 3.0 trade pact "a win-win outcome for both sides." This comes as China seeks to shore up its relationship with ASEAN amidst rising tensions with the US, where President Trump has pursued protectionist policies, including tariffs on Chinese goods.
Li also took aim at Trump's tariffs, which have disrupted global trade and marked one of the most protectionist policy pursued by the US government since the 1930s. "Unilateralism and protectionism have seriously disrupted the global economic and trade order," he said.
At ASEAN, Trump signed trade deals with Cambodia and Malaysia, as well as framework agreements with Thailand and Vietnam. His meetings were notable for a focus on bilateral trade deals hammered out in one-on-one discussions, marking a departure from the regional approach taken by many of his predecessors.
As Trump prepares to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea later this week, tariffs and trade barriers are likely to remain a contentious issue. A framework agreement between the two nations is expected to alleviate concerns about potential tariff hikes.
As China seeks to strengthen its economic ties in Southeast Asia, the region's largest trade partners, the partnership has been growing steadily over recent years. The China Plus One supply chain, which emerged after US President Donald Trump's trade war with China in 2018, has played a significant role in this growth.
With trade between China and ASEAN amounting to $785 billion in just nine months of 2025 – a year-over-year increase of 9.6 percent – the region is rapidly becoming an integral part of China's economic landscape.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang hailed the upgrade, describing it as "expanded and higher-quality economic cooperation" under the agreement. He praised ASEAN nations for promoting "fruitful results in cooperation in various fields," noting a steady growth in trade volume and closer people-to-people exchanges between the two regions.
Professor Zhiwu Chen of the University of Hong Kong called the 3.0 trade pact "a win-win outcome for both sides." This comes as China seeks to shore up its relationship with ASEAN amidst rising tensions with the US, where President Trump has pursued protectionist policies, including tariffs on Chinese goods.
Li also took aim at Trump's tariffs, which have disrupted global trade and marked one of the most protectionist policy pursued by the US government since the 1930s. "Unilateralism and protectionism have seriously disrupted the global economic and trade order," he said.
At ASEAN, Trump signed trade deals with Cambodia and Malaysia, as well as framework agreements with Thailand and Vietnam. His meetings were notable for a focus on bilateral trade deals hammered out in one-on-one discussions, marking a departure from the regional approach taken by many of his predecessors.
As Trump prepares to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea later this week, tariffs and trade barriers are likely to remain a contentious issue. A framework agreement between the two nations is expected to alleviate concerns about potential tariff hikes.
you know what's wild? china's been quietly building relationships with southeast asian countries for years now, and it's like they're finally getting some recognition 
the trade numbers are insane - $785 billion in just 9 months of 2025! it's crazy to think that this partnership has been growing steadily since the us started having all these trade wars with china 
meanwhile, trump's over here trying to isolate himself and his country... like, what's the point? 
The new 3.0 version is all about infrastructure development, digital transitions, and green technologies – sounds like a solid plan to me! 
But what really got my attention was Li Qiang saying that unilateralism and protectionism have disrupted the global economic order 
. Like, isn't that kinda a bit of a low blow towards Trump's policies? 
. And those numbers don't lie – $785 billion in trade between China and ASEAN already? That's some serious economic momentum! 
. I mean, I knew they were trying to strengthen their ties, but $785 billion in just 9 months? That's some serious economic clout 
It feels like just yesterday they were trying to break free from US tariffs and all that. Now, look at 'em - $785 billion in trade with ASEAN already, and it's still growing! 
Are we gonna be left in the dust while China and ASEAN play nice?
. I mean, what's in it for the US? We're seeing a steady increase in Chinese imports into the region, which could potentially disrupt local industries 
. And let's be real, Trump's tariffs have already caused problems globally, so how much of an improvement can we expect from China? 
.
... Can't these guys just focus on fixing their own platforms for once? I mean, have you seen how clunky the website is here? 
It's like they're trying to make it as hard as possible for users to navigate. Anyway, back to China and ASEAN... it's no surprise they're strengthening their ties given the whole US-China trade war situation 
And people-to-people exchanges are a big part of it too, which is awesome.
The thing is, Trump's been all protectionist with those tariffs on Chinese goods and it's been disruptin global trade big time. Like, who wants that kinda mess? 
. The region's growing economic ties with China are undeniable, and it's awesome that they're focusing on infrastructure development and digital transitions 
. With the US being super protectiveist, it's no wonder China is diversifying its trade relationships 
. And meanwhile, China is getting all the benefits. They're investing in infrastructure, green tech, and people-to-people exchanges - it's a win-win for everyone involved! 
The fact that ASEAN nations are thriving under this partnership is a testament to China's economic prowess and its commitment to regional cooperation. Let's not forget, the US has been pretty isolationist and protectionist lately... maybe they should focus on their own backyard instead of trying to dictate global trade policies 
It's time for China to take charge and create its own economic order. The 3.0 trade pact is just another example of this. 
Trying to create more tension between China and the rest of the world won't solve anything, just makes everyone else look weaker 
. I'm sure this is going to end well for everyone, except maybe the US