Overview
- China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and Malaysia’s Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz signed the protocol on Oct 28, witnessed by Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the 47th ASEAN Summit.
- The upgrade adds chapters on the digital economy, the green economy and supply‑chain connectivity, plus commitments on competition policy, streamlined customs and protections for online and cross‑border consumers, according to Singapore’s trade ministry.
- Negotiations began in November 2022 and concluded in May 2025, and the pact now moves to domestic ratification and implementation across ASEAN and China.
- Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong urged swift approval and effective rollout so firms can benefit in areas such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals and digital services.
- The signing took place as US‑China tariff tensions intensify, with reports of a negotiating framework to avert new hikes, while trade data show China remains ASEAN’s largest partner with 5.57 trillion yuan in trade in the first three quarters of 2025 and analysts flag concerns over Chinese surpluses.