China's CPTPP push a gambit to break Asia-Pacific solidarity

Membership in trade pact would turn it into tool of Chinese dominance

While Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, sees in the the CPTPP a chance to solidify Beijing's position, U.S. President Joe Biden is reluctant to join the trade pact. (Source photos by AP)

HIROYUKI AKITA, Nikkei commentator

October 13, 2021 14:57 JST

TOKYO -- In September, China and Taiwan applied to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, a regional trade accord formerly known as the TPP. Taiwan's application came on the heels of China's move.

How the group of 11 Asia-Pacific countries responds to China's bid for CPTPP membership will have huge strategic implications not just for the region but also for the entire world.