China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations touted their economic ties on Thursday as their leaders met in Laos, with the two sides confirming their commitment to further bolster a bilateral free trade agreement. Chinese Premier Li Qiang said in his opening remarks that the combined population of China and the 10 ASEAN countries accounts for one-fourth of the world’s total and that their market resources are “the most prominent advantage” amid rising global uncertainties and instability. “Our market is still expanding and opening up,” Li said. “Strengthening market connections is an i…