中国—东盟自贸区迈入3.0时代

Core Viewpoint - The signing of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 upgrade protocol marks a significant step in enhancing economic cooperation between China and ASEAN, focusing on new emerging fields and regional trade facilitation [1][5][6]. Summary by Sections Upgrade Protocol Signing - The China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 upgrade protocol was officially signed on October 28 during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, after more than five months of negotiations [1][2]. - The upgrade negotiations were announced in November 2022 and are set to conclude substantively by October 2024 [1]. Areas of Cooperation - The upgrade protocol encompasses nine key areas: digital economy, green economy, supply chain connectivity, standards and technical regulations, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, customs procedures and trade facilitation, competition and consumer protection, small and medium enterprises, and economic and technical cooperation [1][6][7]. - This reflects a mutual commitment to lead international rule-making and promote cooperation in emerging fields [1][5]. Economic Integration and Trade Relations - China has maintained its position as ASEAN's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, while ASEAN has been China's largest trading partner for five years [5][10]. - The protocol is seen as a response to global economic uncertainties, promoting high-quality open cooperation between China and ASEAN [5][6]. Significance of the Upgrade - The upgrade protocol is significant in three aspects: it demonstrates China's commitment to multilateral trade systems amidst rising protectionism, it helps mitigate external risks by deepening regional cooperation, and it represents a higher-level institutional breakthrough beyond tariff reductions [6][7]. - The protocol aims to break down regulatory barriers, particularly in the green economy sector, facilitating trade in environmental products and services [7][8]. Emerging Fields and Future Prospects - The focus on digital and green economies highlights the complementary economic relationship between China and ASEAN, with potential for significant collaboration in these sectors [8][9]. - The protocol is expected to enhance cooperation in high-tech industries, with examples such as Chinese semiconductor companies investing in Malaysia [10][11].