Facing persistent trade frictions with Western powers, China is intensifying its economic engagements with key partners across the globe. A summit this week involving leaders from ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and China is the most recent example of such effort.

In a display of regional solidarity, China, Japan, and South Korea have pledged to deepen their economic cooperation. At the 13th Trilateral Economic and Trade Ministers' Meeting held last weekend in Seoul, the three nations outlined an agenda, encompassing trade agreements and supply chain stability.

Yesterday, China and Kyrgyzstan officially kicked off the negotiations for a services trade and investment agreement.

Earlier this month, the long-awaited China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement entered into force.

Two recently negotiated Chinese FTAs are being examined by the WTO's Committee on Regional Trade Agreements (CRTA), and the WTO Secretariat has issued a "factual presentation" of these FTAs.

Last week, the Hong Kong and Peruvian governments signed a free trade agreement, which they anticipate will help both sides to expand market access for their companies.

China and Peru have further strengthened their economic relationship with the signing of an upgraded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on November 14. The agreement, along with the inauguration of the Chancay Port, a major Belt and Road Initiative project, underscores the growing strategic partnership between the two nations.