RCEP talks relegate US-China tariff battle to subplot status

South China Sea disputes also expected to get airtime at big week of summits

The 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations plus six other Asia-Pacific economies have given themselves until the end of the year to "substantially complete" the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

MAYUKO TANI, Nikkei staff writer

November 10, 2018 16:51 JST

SINGAPORE -- Negotiations toward the world's largest trade bloc could take a big step next week during an ASEAN summit and related meetings, where U.S.-China tensions will lurk as a subplot.

The 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations plus six other Asia-Pacific economies have given themselves until the end of the year for "substantially conclusion" of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. And next week's meetings are expected to show how serious the partners are about reaching the goal.