Final answer:
The reference does not explicitly mention which country formed a free trade area with ASEAN in 2010, but China and ASEAN commenced the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) in that year, and ASEAN also signed the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA).
Step-by-step explanation:
In 2010, the country that formed a free trade area with the ten countries that make up the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is not mentioned in the provided reference material. However, ASEAN has been known for its economic integration efforts within the Southeast Asia region and partnerships with other nations.
China is one country that has expanded its economic cooperation with ASEAN, which was further solidified through the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) that commenced in 2010. Additionally, other countries, such as Australia and New Zealand, also signed free trade agreements with ASEAN that year under the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA).
ASEAN's expansion and economic collaboration efforts are significant in the context of free trade agreements around the world. The creation of such agreements is aimed at promoting economic growth and fostering stability in various regions, similar to other trade blocs like the EU and NAFTA. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), for instance, with member countries like Australia, the United States, and China, promotes free trade among member economies.