Leaders Pledge Closer Ties During Week of Southeast Asia-China Diplomacy

Chinese Premier Li Qiang speaking during the opening ceremony of the China International Import Expo in Shanghai on November 5. Image: Agatha Cantrill / AFP

As territorial disputes keep Southeast Asia on edge, Chinese and regional leaders are promising closer cooperation at a series of diplomatic events this week.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized connectivity on Monday at the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE). Li said China will upgrade free trade zones and cooperation agreements with other countries and that closer connections are “a must” to combat a global wave of unilateralism. He committed to widening foreign direct investment access to key Chinese sectors like telecommunication and healthcare.

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by Cobus van Staden

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