News analysis

IPEF talks not meant to exclude China, say trade analysts

The 14 nations announced their objectives for negotiations on Friday at the end of a two-day meeting in Los Angeles. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG
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WASHINGTON - The conclusion of the first round of talks for the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), which filled out what countries would discuss going forward, underscored the commitment of Asian nations to engage with the United States on trade, said economists.

The agreement also highlights their keenness to cooperate on making their supply chains more resilient, a willingness that should not necessarily be viewed as an effort to exclude China, the trade experts added.

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