Published: 6:49pm, 11 Oct, 2018 Updated: 5:01am, 12 Oct, 2018
Beijing may join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trade - Pacific Partnership ( CPTPP ) as a buffer against growing US protectionism , according to anonymous sources . officials said CPTPP , which was finalised in March after incumbent President Donald Trump withdrew from the original Trans - Pacific pact , was " stronger on free trade " and would be another signal of Chinese efforts to reform and open up its economy . Beijing is in talks with developing countries over free - trade agreements .