China Could Eventually Join the Trans-Pacific Partnership

[Frodo]

If it adheres to international norms, that is:

Barack Obama: China might join trade deal — eventually

By Sarah Wheaton
6/3/15 4:50 PM EDT
Updated 6/4/15 10:01 AM EDT

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Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2015/06/barack-obama-china-join-trade-deal-tpp-118598.html#ixzz3cA1K572T

[2952-0-0]

If it adheres to international norms, that is:

I don't think anyone seriously believes this to be the case. After all, if an even more state-dominated economy of Vietnam "adheres to international norms", and if Japan openly flaunts a monetary policy based on cheaper exports, then there is no reason why China doesn't already qualify. Too many countries have too many sacred cows to make a coherent agreement.

Methinks the TPP will quietly be put on hold as less politically controversial agreements are pushed through.

The evil cynic in me says Obama is saying this in order to galvanize opponents in his own party in order to provide a face-saving way to quietly bury what he thinks is headed for defeat anyway.

[Simfan34]

That would go against the entire point of the agreement. But of course the Chinese would never agree to the necessary terms so it's an empty offer all the same, merely signaling theoretical good faith.