This year marks the 15th anniversary of the completion of the construction of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (FTA), a milestone in regional economic integration. According to the General Administration of Customs of China, negotiations for the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area Version 3.0 have substantively concluded, with both sides committing to expanded cooperation in emerging sectors such as the digital economy, green economy and supply chain connectivity. The upgraded agreement also emphasizes the enhancement of standards, rules, trade facilitation and inclusive development.

The progress of the China-ASEAN FTA has drawn close attention from major international media outlets, who see it as a powerful endorsement of free trade in a volatile global landscape.

The Straits Times of Singapore said ASEAN and China have been each other's largest trading partners for several consecutive years. The new FTA version will strengthen existing rules and introduce improvements in customs procedures, supply chain connectivity, consumer protection, and economic and technical cooperation.

Malaysia's Sin Chew Daily pointed out that the updated FTA's new provisions on e-commerce and consumer protection are particularly attractive to Malaysian small and medium-sized enterprises. Many businesses are eager to tap into the new opportunities presented by the upgraded agreement.

Vietnam Investment Review noted that China has eliminated tariffs on about 95 percent of Vietnamese exports to China, a practice extended to other ASEAN members as well. The new FTA version promises more favorable market access conditions and enhanced protection for investors, fostering a more transparent and secure investment environment.

Several other international outlets underscored that the FTA 3.0 would reinforce regional supply chain resilience —a crucial advantage given the current global uncertainties.

Singapore's Business Times reported that the upgraded agreement will lower barriers for Chinese enterprises to access ASEAN markets and reduce operational costs, enabling the co-construction of a stronger and more resilient regional supply chain. Increased Chinese investment is also expected to help ASEAN countries climb up on the global value chain.

The international media predict that ASEAN-China economic ties will continue to flourish with the new FTA framework. The Straits Times described ASEAN-China relations as among the most substantive and dynamic ASEAN partnerships. The combined force of the FTA 3.0 and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) will deepen this already robust relationship.

The Bangkok Post reported that ASEAN-China trade has become a key driver of Southeast Asia's economic growth. Countries like Thailand are well-positioned to leverage their strategic locations to enhance supply chain resilience and strengthen their roles in the global economy.

The Azerbaijan State News Agency said China-ASEAN cooperation has expanded from traditional sectors such as agriculture, minerals, transport, finance and investment, into new areas like the digital and green economy. They have further institutionalized their economic partnership through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, RCEP, and now the ASEAN-China FTA 3.0.

As infrastructure interconnectivity steadily advances and standards align, ASEAN and China are poised to unlock even greater economic potential — proving once again that open cooperation remains the best answer to an uncertain world.