At the ASEAN Plus Three Summit in Vientiane, Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim welcomed a newly formed agreement among China, Japan, and South Korea aimed at fostering start-ups and digital initiatives in Southeast Asia. Concurrently, negotiations for the upgraded China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (ACFTA 3.0) are nearing completion, with a focus on enhancing digital and green economies, set to be finalized by 2025. This upgrade is seen as crucial amidst rising global protectionism, as it aims to bolster market cooperation and deepen commitments in trade facilitation and economic cooperation. Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the need for deeper market integration with ASEAN, highlighting China's role as the bloc's largest trading partner. However, territorial disputes in the South China Sea remain unresolved, with ASEAN leaders maintaining a cautious stance towards China's assertive actions in the region. The recent agreements and discussions signal a potential shift towards increased economic collaboration despite geopolitical tensions.