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.
Foreign suppliers not to be excluded, but national security exception remains

Chinese President Xi Jinping: China seeks to join the 11-nation Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. (Xinhua via Kyodo)
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.