Chinese premier back in Beijing after Singapore visit

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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang returned to Beijing on Friday after an official visit to Singapore.

During his stay in Singapore, Li also attended the 21st China-ASEAN (10+1) leaders' meeting, the 21st ASEAN-China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (10+3) leaders' meeting, and the 13th East Asia Summit.

China-ASEAN Strategic Partnership Vision 2030 adopted

The China-ASEAN Strategic Partnership Vision 2030 was approved at the 21st China-ASEAN (10+1) leaders' meeting, charting the course for their ties till 2030.

The document elaborates on China and ASEAN's consensus on overall bilateral relations and plans for political and security, economic and sociocultural cooperation.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang poses for a group photo with leaders attending the 13th East Asia Summit in Singapore, November 15, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

China-ASEAN FTA protocol upgraded

China and ASEAN upgraded the protocol of their free trade agreement to build the largest free trade zone among developing countries.

Li said at the 21st China-ASEAN leaders' meeting that all domestic approvals for the upgrade were complete.

China hopes to complete talks on South China Sea COC in three years

Meanwhile, China and ASEAN members agreed to reach a code of conduct over the South China Sea as soon as possible in order to properly manage differences, expand maritime cooperation and maintain stability.

'Finishing kick' of RCEP talks

Li also called on parties involved in talks on a new Asia-Pacific free trade pact to keep up with their efforts so as to clinch the deal next year.

Talks on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) have reached the final stage, Li said in the 2nd RCEP leaders' meeting.

(With inputs from Xinhua)