Selected Issues in TPP Negotiations and Implications for China

Abstract

Initially a hardly-noticed agreement, the TPP has become the hottest buzzword in the FTA game since the US-led group launched negotiations in 2010. What is the history of the TPP? Why did the US make it its top priority in trade policy? What are the promises and problems in the TPP negotiations? How should China respond to the TPP? This article will discuss these questions by first reviewing the history from the original P4 Agreement to the current TPP agreement, then exploring the reasons for the US involvement in the agreement. Next, the article will examine the main issues that have arisen in the TPP negotiations, including both the structural issues and controversies on the substantive issues, as well as the likely outcome of the negotiations. In the last part, the article will analyze the potential implications for China, as well as its possible responses.

Keywords: TPP, FTA, WTO, China