China Expands Trade Pact With Asian Economies Courted by Trump

China expanded its free trade pact with a group of Southeast Asian nations, deepening its economic ties with a region that President Donald Trump sought to court with a flurry of trade deals.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahimon Tuesday oversaw the signing of an agreement in Kuala Lumpur to expand the China-Asean Free Trade Area. The protocol includes vows to lower trade barriers and facilitate the green economy, which may help Beijing boost exports and offset the impact of US tariffs.

The move came a day after Trump wrapped up a visit ...