China, ASEAN top diplomats discuss economic ties
The talks come as both sides are facing challenges amid the US President Donald Trump's tariff measures.
The ministers met on Thursday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The country is hosting a series of ASEAN gatherings this week as the bloc's chair.
Both sides fully completed negotiations on a so-called 3.0 version of their free trade area agreement in May.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed China is seeking closer economic ties with ASEAN, with the US tariffs in mind.
Wang said "We need to draw lessons from history, advocate for an equitable and orderly multipolar world, promote an inclusive and beneficial economic globalization, and push the international order toward a more just and reasonable direction."
Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan also voiced concern over the tariffs.
He said "We must remain vigilant to the threat to an open, fair and rules-based trading system."
But some ASEAN countries are cautious about economically leaning on Beijing.
Sources say an official in the meeting cautioned excessive reliance could pose risks to the bloc depending on changes in China's economic situation.
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