TPP key to deepening trade relations john kerry

Associate Professor Adrian Hearn of Melbourne University notes in his report China and the TPP, that there is speculation the US could be using the agreement as a way of limiting China’s expansion.

While Prof Hearn’s report did not find evidence that the TPP aimed to contain China, it seems to have prompted negotiation of a rival Chinese deal, the RCEP, which excludes the US and which Australia is also involved with.

Mr Brown agrees with Prof Hearn in that he does not think the TPP tries to contain China but notes that the US has had issues over its intellectual property rights in China.

“Part of this is about competing with China but I wouldn’t say it’s about containing China,” Mr Brown said.