Asian mega free-trade deal stalls in Singapore despite China's push against protectionism
2018-11-14 09:47:09 source：South China Morning Post
November 13, 2018
China’s attempt to seal Asia’s biggest trade deal stalled at a regional summit in Singapore, despite Beijing’s efforts to counter American protectionism and the absence of US President Donald Trump.
After a fruitless meeting on Monday, trade ministers from Asean’s member countries and the bloc’s six dialogue partners – Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand – pushed back further talks on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) until next year.
The RCEP is proposed free trade agreement covering the 16 countries and was originally expected to be completed by the end of this year. But stumbling blocks remain, including India’s reluctance to open up its markets, particularly to Chinese firms.
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