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Power Play
China is not worried about the IPEF - but it should be
The fact that 13 countries joined the US' Indo-Pacific Economic Framework even with few details unveiled reflects concern over China's rising influence and assertiveness
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(From left) Japan PM Fumio Kishida, US President Joe Biden and India PM Narendra Modi at the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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Of the 13 countries that have expressed interest in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), 10 count China as their top trading partner.
Eleven of these countries are part of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade pact with China, which came into effect this year and is expected to give intra-regional trade a US$42 billion (S$58 billion) boost.
