Premier to attend key meetings in Manila

Leaders of the 16 nations of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership will meet for the first time since 2012 at the 12th East Asia Summit in Manila next week, which Premier Li Keqiang will attend, a senior official said.

Wang Shouwen, vice-minister of commerce, said China will support the leading role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in the proposed free trade agreement talks and for their successful conclusion at an early date.

The 16 leaders will evaluate progress and exchange views on negotiations, which are at a crucial stage, he said.