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.

He made the remarks at the ASEAN-China Summit after the two sides signed an expanded version of a free trade agreement as both face increased protectionism from the United States.

“In the face of power politics, economic coercion, bullying, and division, pursuing confrontation instead of solidarity brings no benefit, which will only allow external forces to divide and manipulate us,” Li warned at the summit following the signing.

“The more complex and severe the situation is, the more we must stay united and strengthen ourselves,” he added.

The signing of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 is the third revision of the long-standing agreement, which was first signed in 2002 and came into force in 2010.

Malaysia's prime minister meanwhile, said China's presence at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit reflected its commitment to deepening ties with the region.

Anwar Ibrahim, who is chairing the summit, said the presence of countries like the US and China at ASEAN meetings was a reflection of the bloc's "centrality".

The prospect of a deepening trade conflict between China and the U.S. has risked weakening economic growth worldwide.

There were signs that tensions between the two were cooling ahead of a planned meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which is expected to take place in South Korea on Thursday.

Top negotiators from each country said a trade deal was coming together, which could prevent a potentially damaging confrontation between the world’s two largest economies.