Leaders of China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations confirmed their commitment to upgrade a bilateral free trade agreement at their meeting Thursday in Laos, while the Philippines raised the issue of continued tensions in the South China Sea.Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone said negotiations between ASEAN and China on upgrading their FTA have reached a substantial conclusion, with a final agreement expected by 2025. "This reflects our shared commitment to deepen and expand economic integration," he said.Chinese Premier Li Qiang, in his opening remarks, noted that the combin…READ FULL ARTICLE
