The Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership and its Implications for China's Role in East Asia Regional Integration

Abstract

The US strategy to return to Asia under the Obama administration has important meanings for international relations in East Asia. Not only is the new policy a change from previous US unilateralism under the Bush administration, US emphasis on Asia also implies that Washington has recognized Chinas growing status and may be more committed to its allies and friendly countries in the region. The Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership (TPP), formerly known as the Pacific Four (P-4) Partnership (Brunei, Chile, New Zealand, Singapore), is a major breakthrough of US commitment to East Asia in recognition of rapid economic development in the region. Since Obamas first official visit to Asia in 2009, six formal rounds of TPP negotiations have been held and parties to the negotiation have agreed on settlement by the next APEC summit meeting in 2011. Since the Asian financial crisis, ASEAN has served as the center for integration in East Asia. Amidst tensions in Northeast Asia and Sino-US competition, ASEAN plays the critical role of balancing regional powers and providing channels for dialogue and negotiation. Addition of the TPP to the East Asian noodle bowl of economic agreements complicates developments in the region and entails that ASEAN may need to reconsider its role in regional integration, especially its subtle balancing role between China and the US. This paper examines the economic and strategic implications of TPP and suggests ASEANs potential new role in East Asia integration.