China Calls on Asean, Gulf States to Create ‘Big Market’ (2)

Chinese Premier Li Qiang rallied a group of Southeast Asian and Gulf states to deepen cooperation and touted his country’s economic strength, as Beijing ramps up its charm offensive abroad to counter US efforts to isolate the economy.

“We should firmly expand regional opening up and develop a big market,” Li said at a meeting with leaders from Southeast Asia and the Middle East in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday. “We should effectively manage differences in the spirit of mutual understanding.”

The inaugural joint summit offers Beijing yet another chance to sway countries caught between the world’s two largest economies. Li’s ...