China is urging ASEAN to finalize an upgraded free trade agreement by year-end, aiming to boost exports amid rising U.S. tariffs. Talks concluded in May, expanding market access in agriculture, digital economy, and pharmaceuticals. Beijing is positioning itself as the “more open” economy, contrasting with U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade curbs. Vice Commerce Minister Yan Dong emphasized, “In the face of unilateralism and protectionism… China and ASEAN have insisted on multilateral cooperation.” In August, Chinese exports to ASEAN surged 22.5% yoy to USD 57.1 billion, offsetting a 33.1% drop in U.S. shipments. Both blocs are part of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), though analysts view it as less ambitious than the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which China has applied to join. The CPTPP includes 11 nations and is considered a high-standard pact, especially in areas like e-commerce and regulatory alignment.