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China border tensions cloud Asia trade pact talks in India

Observers say partner countries such as Asean nations will have to play a balancing role in the trade deal

Published Wed, Jul 19, 2017 · 09:50 PM

New Delhi

A MEETING of 16 nations in India on a mega Asia trade pact is happening in the shadow of elevated border tensions between India and China, a wrinkle that could further slow progress on the deal.

Trade officials gathered in the southern city of Hyderabad are seeking to hammer out agreement on sticky issues such as the free movement of people in the pact that takes in the world's second and third-biggest economies - China and Japan - but does not involve the US.

China is urging the 10 members of the Association of South-east Asian Nations, along with India, Australia, New Zealand, Sou…