Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the news is the successful completion of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (FTA) 3.0 negotiations in 2024, which symbolizes a deepening cooperation and lays a solid foundation for future joint development [1][3]. - The FTA 3.0 version includes nine new chapters focusing on digital economy, green economy, and economic and technological cooperation, reflecting the rapid advancement of regional economic integration and the unprecedented expansion of cooperation areas [5]. - China and ASEAN have been each other's largest trading partners for several consecutive years, with a trade volume approaching 7 trillion RMB in 2024, accounting for 15.9% of China's total foreign trade, highlighting the economic complementarity and the significant achievements of the FTA [5]. Group 2 - The deepening economic cooperation with ASEAN holds profound strategic significance for China, creating a large market covering over 2 billion people, which stabilizes China's exports and global trade [7]. - The young population and rising middle class in Southeast Asia present substantial market potential, providing opportunities for Chinese technology and products, such as Huawei's 5G technology and China's high-speed rail and C919 aircraft [7]. - The FTA 3.0 implementation will facilitate smoother trade, investment, and personnel exchanges, expanding cooperation space in the Southeast Asian market, which is expected to be a highlight of global economic growth over the next 20 years [7][8].

Core Viewpoint - The RCEP is at a critical juncture where it must expand and enhance its rules to avoid stagnation and to solidify its role as a significant economic driver in the region [4][6]. Group 1: Current Status of RCEP - Since its implementation on January 1, 2022, RCEP has become a new engine for regional economic growth, with steady increases in goods trade and the integration of industrial and supply chains [4]. - The share of intermediate goods trade in total trade within the region has risen from 65% in 2021 to 68.3% in 2024 [4]. Group 2: Recommendations for RCEP - **Accelerate Expansion Process**: The key to overcoming the "no progress means regression" dilemma is to expand RCEP. Applications from Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, and Chile to join RCEP could significantly enhance its influence [5]. - **Enhance Rules and Standards**: It is suggested to benchmark against the CPTPP to gradually raise RCEP's rule standards, which are currently underutilized. This includes reducing non-tariff barriers and simplifying origin certification processes [6]. - **Promote Rule Upgrades**: Upgrading rules related to service trade and investment, completing negotiations on origin rules, and enhancing e-commerce regulations are essential. Increasing the coverage of zero tariffs on goods will also help elevate RCEP's position in the global value chain [6]. Group 3: Future Outlook - The conditions and timing for RCEP to evolve into a high-level free trade area are considered mature, with potential breakthroughs in negotiations for a China-Japan-Korea free trade agreement [6].