Trade pact on APEC agenda, but no joy for Beijing

Although the Albanese government abandoned its pursuit of China through the World Trade Organisation in return for Beijing lifting coercive trade bans on Australian imports, the prime minister explained that China's behaviour was not of a sufficient standard to be allowed entry into the CPTPP. Consequently, China has nothing near the unanimous support of the 12 member nations, which includes the most recent entry, Britain. Japan remains the most opposed to China's entry, while Singapore and New Zealand have spoken in support. China is one of six nations, including Taiwan, which has applied to join the CPTPP. When the 12…