SINGAPORE -- An Asia-Pacific agreement to create the world's largest trade bloc entered into force on Saturday, ushering in a new phase of regional economic integration.
The launch of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership comes as countries seek to escape the pandemic malaise and shore up supply chains while China, the group's largest member, strives to raise its profile in Asia's mechanisms for integration. How Beijing opens its economy through the pact will be closely watched as the U.S. -- not party to the deal -- prepares a response of its own.
