Hua Hin, Thailand -- China is anticipating a new level of bilateral relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Beijing's ambassador to the group said Sunday.
Xue Hanqin told China's Xinhua news agency the expected launch of a free trade regime between her country and ASEAN -- and the resulting establishment of a China-ASEAN exchange center -- will greatly strengthen their relations.
"I think we should build on the success in China-ASEAN cooperation, including working on the details of the implementation," Xue said, calling on businesses on both sides to expand their trade and investment cooperation.
China and ASEAN signed a memorandum of understanding Sunday in the Thai resort town of Hua Hin to set up the exchange center.
