Expansion of ASEAN-China free-trade pact questioned amid summit

A police official looks on between national flags during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Vientiane, Laos, on Oct. 9, 2024. One topic of discussion for the ASEAN representatives will be proposed additions to the group's free-trade agreement with China.

As Laos hosts this year’s summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Beijing is calling for additions to its free-trade agreement with the regional forum that focus on smart cities, 5G, artificial intelligence and e-commerce.