China moves to ease rules on government procurement for CPTPP

BEIJING -- China has taken a step toward easing rules that all but bar foreign companies from lucrative government procurement deals as the world's second-largest economy seeks to join a Pacific Rim trade deal.

Earlier this month, the finance ministry told local governments in an official notice that foreign-owned suppliers' "right to participate fairly in government procurement must be assured" as long as their products are made in China.