China will step up efforts to expand its free trade area network with trading partners across the world to enlarge its "circle of friends", while eliminating more tariffs on goods and broadening market access for services trade and investment, according to Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.

Wang told Xinhua News Agency in a recent interview that these efforts will push forward higher-level opening-up. He added that the country will facilitate China-Japan-Republic of Korea free trade agreement negotiations, as well as those with the China-Gulf Cooperation Council, China-Norway and China-Israel FTAs, while giving active consideration to joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

China will also strengthen efforts to ensure the landmark Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership takes effect and is implemented as soon as possible.

Official data shows that China has signed FTAs with 26 countries and regions, with FTAs accounting for 35 percent of the country's total foreign trade value.