RCEP - The Japan Times

Business Apr 28, 2021

Japan approves far-reaching RCEP free trade deal

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership deal will create a huge free trade area accounting for some 30% of global gross domestic product and trade.

Commentary / World | Perspectives Apr 4, 2021

Can COVID-19 turbocharge the 'Asian century'?

by Jesper Koll

If nothing else, the China-U.S. rivalry has forced Japan to become a genuine leader for Asia.

Business / Economy Mar 20, 2021

RCEP trade deal could boost Japan's GDP by 2.7%, government says

In its first published estimate of the impact of the multilateral pact covering about a third of global trade, the government predicted around 570,000 jobs would be created.

Commentary / World | API Geoeconomic Briefing Feb 20, 2021

Australia and Japan's alliance can beat China’s interdependence trap

by Takashi Terada

As Canberra and Beijing get deeper into their ongoing trade spat, Tokyo needs to step in to help boost regional ties and agreements.

Commentary / World Jan 13, 2021

Asia’s rise doesn’t necessarily mean the West’s decline

by Yoichi Funabashi

The post-pandemic world is no simple seesaw game in which East Asia rises and the West falls.

Commentary / World Dec 18, 2020

Biden should look to Obama's Asia-Pacific trade strategies

by Kazuhito Yamashita

As president-elect Joe Biden prepares for his inauguration, the international community is anticipating how the incoming administration will approach free trade.

Business / Economy Dec 8, 2020

South Korea to consider joining TPP trade pact, Moon says

The remarks were the first time the South Korean leader had raised the possibility of Asia's fourth-largest economy joining the 11-member trade pact.

Commentary / World Dec 7, 2020

RCEP has its limits when it comes to saving multilateral trade

by Lee Jong-Wha

The RCEP’s real significance lies in China’s participation. It is the first regional multilateral trade agreement the country has joined.

Commentary / Japan Nov 25, 2020

Is China a free trader or just a free rider?

by Kuni Miyake

On issues of market access for goods, if China wants to join CPTPP, it must negotiate from scratch with all 11 members.

Editorials Nov 19, 2020

RCEP: Big numbers, bigger potential

The U.S. absence in both the RCEP and CPTPP partnerships obliges Japan to show leadership to direct both agreements toward integration, openness, good governance and the rule of law.

Business / Economy Nov 19, 2020

China’s Xi vows no decoupling in call to reject protectionism

President Xi Jinping pledged that China wouldn’t engage in decoupling, in an address to Asia-Pacific leaders in Kuala Lumpur just days after the region inaugurated the world’s largest free-trade agreement. Xi’s speech during Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summits Thursday came as he — and the world ...