News Snapshot:
Australia said it would not be willing to negotiate China’s application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) unless Beijing removes retaliatory tariffs on Australian goods, as other member countries also flagged caution over Beijing’s application to join the mega trade bloc. Beijing’s new trade minister Wang Wentao on Thursday lodged a long-awaited application to join the 11-member CPTPP with member country New Zealand’s trade minister Damien O’Connor. All member countries that have ratified the CPTPP will be allowed to vet China’s application. Some countries, such as Malaysia, have started the ratification process but have not...
