Beijing poised to sign historic treaty

Closer ties within ASEAN seen as easing tensions over South China Sea

China is forging closer ties with ASEAN, with a historic treaty likely to be signed - the first between the bloc and the country - as Premier Li Keqiang arrived in the Myanmar capital Nay Pyi Taw on Wednesday to start a three-day visit.

Myanmar is hosting an ASEAN meeting and the East Asia summit that will draw a number of world leaders, including US President Barack Obama.