China hails completion of talks on Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area protocol

China on Friday hailed the latest full completion of negotiations on the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) protocol, saying both sides are looking to further expanding bilateral openness to achieve common prosperity and development.

Chinese and ASEAN economic and trade ministers held a special meeting via video link on Tuesday, during which they announced the full conclusion of negotiations for Version 3.0 of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area protocol, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said in a statement on Wednesday.

"This is definitely good news. It's a key step toward the signing of Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area protocol. Both China and ASEAN are staunch supporters of economic globalization and multilateralism," Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a press conference in Beijing, commenting on the MOFCOM statement.

"By fully completing the negotiations, the two sides have sent a strong signal in support of free trade and open cooperation. We are to create a more inclusive, modern, comprehensive and mutually beneficial free trade zone, which will further expand bilateral openness between China and ASEAN and drive greater prosperity and development for both parties," said the spokeswoman.

China hails completion of talks on Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area protocol

China's top political advisor Wang Huning has met with delegates attending the 11th national congress of the Taoist Association of China, which was held on Monday and Tuesday in Beijing.

Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, stressed the importance of implementing the Party's basic policy on religious affairs, and of guiding followers and key figures of Taoism to contribute to the country's modernization drive.

Wang urged the association to exercise full and rigorous governance over the religion, intensify efforts to raise awareness of the rule of law, and foster an image of a Taoist community that is patriotic and devoted to the faith, maintains good conduct, abides by the law, and upholds Taoist precepts.

He encouraged the association to cultivate talent proficient in both canonical teachings and fine traditional Chinese culture, and to expand global exchange in Taoism.

At the national congress, the association adopted a revised charter, as well as a set of religious rules and regulations, and elected new leadership.

Top political advisor meets with Chinese Taoist delegates