China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) signed the China–ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) 3.0 Upgrade Protocol in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, marking the latest step in regional economic integration.

The protocol, signed by Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao and ASEAN economic ministers, updates a framework that first entered into force in 2010. According to China’s Ministry of Commerce, the upgrade expands cooperation in nine areas, including digital economy, green economy, supply chain connectivity, competition policy, and support for micro, small, and medium enterprises.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang said in a multilateral meeting between China and ASEAN members on Tuesday that the upgraded agreement “creates new opportunities for high-quality economic cooperation

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