China gains from its CPTPP bid, whether or not it succeeds

ALTHOUGH China had signalled its intention to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement on Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) as early as last November, its formal request on Sept 16 has nonetheless met with some surprise and scepticism.

The trade pact includes provisions that are seen as tough for China to meet, requiring reforms in areas such as state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and cross-border data flows. While accession is not impossible, it will not be easy - leading some to speculate that it may not even be the main goal.

After the Trump administration withdrew the United States from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) in late 2017, the remaining 11 partners signed the CPTPP in March 2018.