The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is not a "competitor" to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (or, as it's now known after adding the adjectives "comprehensive" and "progressive", the CPTPP).
Yes, the CPTPP very obviously excludes China while RCEP does not. But, unlike the former, the RCEP is a more traditional sort of trade deal, in which tariff cuts on tradeable goods - rather than high standards for labour, environmental and intellectual property protections - are at the centre of the discussion. That's part of the reason India is leery of signing it.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Dive deeper at $0.99/month
Want more exclusives, sharp insights into what's happening at home and abroad? Subscribe to stay informed.
ST One Digital Package - Monthly
$9.90 $0.99/month
No contract
$0.99/month for the first 3 months, $9.90/month thereafter. T&Cs apply.
Unlock these benefits
All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com
Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device
2-week e-paper archive so you never miss out on any topic that matters to you
