China Backs RCEP, Warns Protectionism Threatens Region

China backs RCEP, told Asian governments it will defend open trade, resist protectionism, keep RCEP supply chains stable.
China's Premier Li Qiang attends the 20th East Asia Summit during the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur on October 27, 2025. (Photo by MOHD RASFAN / AFP)

China backs RCEP, told Asian governments that it will defend open trade and keep regional supply chains stable through the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, at a summit in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, said China will safeguard the multilateral trading system “with greater resolve.” He warned that “unilateralism and protectionism” are “on the rise” and pose “significant risks to the region.”

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by Edwin Shri Bimo

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