The free trade area covers a combined market of more than 2 billion people, lowers tariffs on goods, and boosts flows of services and investment.View on euronews

Beijing and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have signed an expanded free trade agreement as both sides face increased protectionism from the United States.

Malaysia handed over the chairmanship of Southeast Asia's regional bloc to the Philippines on Tuesday (Oct 28), with territorial disputes in the South China Sea set to

The pact can help Asean businesses diversify their export markets but Chinese overcapacity is of concern, say analysts. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday called for unity and coordination between China and ASEAN countries, citing “greater risks and challenges” posed by rising protectionism and external interference in the region.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said the South China Sea territorial row will be best resolved by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China as the regional bloc is in a “stronger” position to find ways forward to resolve the dispute.

Southeast Asian foreign ministers held talks Saturday ahead of a landmark ASEAN summit that will formally welcome East Timor as the bloc’s 11th member and mark US President Donald Trump’s first trip to Asia since returning to the White House.

The ASEAN Summit is set to host global leaders for trade discussions amidst escalating regional tensions. Key discussions include U.S.-China trade negotiations, a Thai-Cambodia ceasefire deal, and Myanmar's civil unrest.