China and Asean countries on Tuesday signed an expanded version of their free trade agreement, with leaders hailing the deal that spans the digital and green economies and other new industries.

Premier Li Qiang told the 28th China-Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur after the deal's signing that closer cooperation could help overcome global economic uncertainties.

He said "pursuing confrontation instead of solidarity brings no benefit" in the face of economic coercion and bullying, in an apparent swipe at the United States.

"Unity is strength," Li said, citing remarks by President Xi Jinping made during a Southeast Asia visit earlier this year.

The premier urged China and the 11-nation Asean bloc to unite and strengthen themselves more resolutely, fend off external disruptions, and defend their legitimate rights and interests through mutual reliance and coordinated actions.

"We must accelerate trade and investment liberalisation and facilitation and strengthen industrial integration and interdependence," he added.

According to the Chinese Commerce Ministry, the China-Asean Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Protocol will inject more confidence and momentum into regional and global economic growth.

A ministry official said the protocol demonstrates a shared, firm commitment by the two sides to multilateralism and free trade.

The upgrade primarily covers nine key fields, from existing areas like customs procedures and trade facilitation to new, high-potential fields such as digital economy, green economy and supply chain interconnectivity, among others.

"The upgrade will further reduce trade barriers, strengthen supply chain connectivity, and unlock opportunities in future growth areas," Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said.

Negotiations on the latest deal began in November 2022 and concluded in May this year.

The first free trade agreement between China and Asean came into force in 2010. (Xinhua and agencies)