Chinese Premier Li Keqiang Thursday said that China will sign the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement with member countries this year as scheduled, adding that "China is actively pushing the establishment of the China-Japan-ROK Free Trade Greement (FTA)."

During the press meeting after the third session of the 13th National people's Congress concluded, Li confirmed that China is actively promoting regional cooperation with Japan, South Korea and other neighboring countries amid the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

This month, China and South Korea established a "fast-track" entry system due to both countries having successfully contained the coronavirus at home. This system can help promote business and technology exchanges, and in turn facilitate the recovery of the economy in both countries as well as the whole region.

Li stressed the importance of establishing a "mini-circle" of China-Japan-South Korea within the "large-circle," adding that the geopolitical proximity of the countries is a huge advantage.

Additionally, Li acknowledged that China is open to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).