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China’s perspective on applying for the CPTPP: enhancing economic interdependence as a hedging approach in great power rivalry

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Abstract

The Chinese government has formally requested to join the CPTPP, making a critical step in China’s FTA strategy. By summarizing the policy debate in China about the TPP/CPTPP and analyzing the motivations behind China’s CPTPP bid, this article argues that outward-oriented considerations are more important than inward-oriented ones. China’s decision to pursue membership in the CPTPP is primarily driven by its strategic goal to strengthen foreign economic relations, rather than focusing on domestic economic reform and growth. Under mounting pressure from strategic competition with the US, China needs to hedge against the risks of the US’s attempt to develop exclusive economic coalitions that target China. Because of the dual challenges from diplomacy and compliance, China’s accession process would be contentious and time consuming. Nevertheless, China has an indispensable opportunity to reassure its major trading partners by implementing high-standard trade rules through the CPTPP accession.

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Funding

This work was supported by the (The National Social Science Fund of China) under Grant (20AZD103).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of International Politics, School of International Relations and Public Affairs, Fudan University, No. 220 Handan Rd, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China

    Shuaiyu Li

  2. Department of International Political Economy, School of International Studies, Peking University, No. 5 Yiheyuan Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, China

    Yong Wang

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  1. Shuaiyu Li
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  2. Yong Wang
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Correspondence to Yong Wang.

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Li, S., Wang, Y. China’s perspective on applying for the CPTPP: enhancing economic interdependence as a hedging approach in great power rivalry. China Int Strategy Rev. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42533-024-00154-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42533-024-00154-9

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