From July 3 to 5, the 2025 ASEAN-China (Qingdao) Event of Economic and Trade Cooperation and People-to-People Exchanges took place at Qingdao Haitian Center under the theme "Blue Partnership for a Shared Future.

China and ASEAN have reached an agreement to upgrade their free trade area, targeting a new pact for approval by leaders in October. The updated trade zone will focus on digital, green economies, and supply chain connectivity.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi agreed Friday to explore "areas of potential cooperation" between Washington and Beijing, and stressed the importance of managing differences,

The two major powers vied to push their agendas in Asia at a time of simmering tension over a U.S. trade tariffs offensive.

China has been a fierce critic of sweeping U.S. tariffs that Trump announced on April 2. He later delayed the implementation of most but China, which has said it will respond with its own tariffs on U.S. imports, now faces a deadline next month to negotiate a deal.

ASEAN Foreign Ministers have reiterated the regional bloc’s firm commitment to peace and stability in the South China Sea, amid growing concern

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and China Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended separate meetings with their ASEAN counterparts in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday (Jul 10).

China has committed to signing the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty "as soon as possible" without reservation, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.