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 .
Beijing may join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) as a hedge against growing US protectionism, according to anonymous sources. Analysts said CPTPP, which was finalised in March after US President Donald Trump withdrew from the original Trans-Pacific Partnership, 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 27 countries over free-trade agreements.