The ASEAN bloc of Southeast Asian nations and China on Tuesday signed an upgrade to their free trade agreement, which includes sections on digital, the green economy and other new industries, Beijing's Commerce Ministry said.

Beijing and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have signed an expanded free trade agreement as both sides face increased protectionism from the United States

Many countries in the region want to continue doing business while managing ties with China, the ex-prime minister says.

The announcement came after China’s Premier Li Qiang called on his Asian counterparts to “uphold free trade and the multilateral trading system.”

Mariko Oi will be joined by regular guests from across the region, including South East Asia correspondent Jonathan Head and China correspondent Laura Bicker

China and Australia on Monday sought to keep ties on an even keel despite tensions over military encounters in the South China Sea and rivalry in the Asia-Pacific region, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese describing both sides as "friends".

The swing through Malaysia, Japan and South Korea is expected to test President Trump’s skills as a statesman and negotiator.

President Trump is in Asia on a high-stakes trip. Both sides today said a framework has been reached for a potential trade deal with China. NBC News’ Garrett Haake reports.