Trump wants the US out of the TPP. Space for China, defender of free trade
The newly-elected president reiterates his defense for the American economy. The fears of Asian economies, that have boomed thanks to exports to the US. At the APEC gathering China offers itself as the new center for continental economy. But there are countries which fear its supremacy.
Hong Kong (AsiaNews) - The newly elected president Donald Trump has once again stated that the United States will abandon the TTP agreement (Trans Pacific Partnership) as of his first day in the White House.
In a video message Trump also reiterated that he wants to reduce the "restrictions that kill jobs" reopening the production of coal and putting an end to migrants abuse of their visa permits. He did not say anything about the cancellation Obamacare (the healthcare for everyone program wanted by his predecessor), or the famous wall that he wants to build on the border with Mexico.
The TTP agreement was launched in 2015 and provides for a common legal framework, reduction of duties and movement of goods between the 12 countries which together account for 40% of the world economy. Besides the United States, the countries ready to ratify it are: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam. The big economies excluded from the agreement were South Korea, the Philippines and China.
The US retreat from the agreement raises doubts on its value among members, such as Japan and Vietnam.
The pre-election promises of Trump to safeguard the US economy with tariffs on imports, has raised concern about the Asian economies, many of which rely on exports to the US.
At the APEC meeting (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation), held in Lima (Peru) November 18 to 20, the slogans: "Let's save the free trade!"; "Fight all forms of protectionism" abounded. Among all, the supreme defender was Chinese President Xi Jinping who arrived in Lima with a large delegation, guaranteeing that "China will not close its doors to the outside world, but open them even more " and urged partner countries "to deepen and expand cooperation in the region".
Several countries, including Japan, Malaysia and Australia, are interested in strengthening relations with China, seeking new and easier markets. In this way, there is the possibility that China will now become the reference point of the Asian economy.
But there are still many countries that fear its supremacy. The Asia Centre institute's president, Jean-François Di Meglio, told the newspaper Le Monde that "a Chinese leadership, after that of the United States is causing concern. There is always a great distrust of the commercial prospects of China ".
.png)
24/05/2012
