Asean played central role in driving RCEP trade pact, contrary to perception it is China-led

The RCEP trade pact was inked on Nov 15, 2020. PHOTO: MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION
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SINGAPORE - Depending on the media outlets people read or watch, they get different impressions of the significance of the signing of the world's largest trade pact on Nov 15.

A New York Times report was headlined "China-led trade pact is signed, in challenge to US", while China nationalist tabloid Global Times ran an opinion piece titled "RCEP will end US hegemony in West Pacific".

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