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Yearender:TPP, a blessing for Asia-Pacific economies? (3)

By Wang Bo, Chen Jipeng (Xinhua)    10:40, December 18, 2013
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GEOPOLITICAL AGENDA CAUSES SUSPICION FOR TPP

TPP is widely believed the economic pillar of U.S. President Barack Obama's pivot to Asia, which, with its pronounced military presence in the region, has led to increased suspicion over its intention. Some western media put it more bluntly as "having the political purpose of countering the growing influence of China."

Lisa Brandt, trade policy analyst at the European Center for International Political Economy, said in an article that TPP would have economic benefits. But it is also underpinned by geopolitical ambitions.

"The United States is keen to promote stability in the region and establish a set of rules that can serve as a future template for international economic relations."

Her views were echoed by Professor Copper, who noted that TPP is viewed by some as part of the Asian pivot.

"Since the Asian pivot is really a strategic idea, of the military thought. It means it's missing the economic aspect to it. And the TPP is the economic side...Some said that the Asian pivot will not work without TPP."

However, Many Asian economies are reluctant to choose sides between major powers in the region. When geopolitical consideration outweighs economic reality, TPP would lose appeal to its potential members. As Professor Copper noted, "Asians do not think of balance of power as the United States do...They are thinking of it more in economic terms than military power relations."

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(Editor:ZhangQian、Yao Chun)

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