Note: This article was originally published in The Japan Times. Prof Fukunari Kimura was quoted.

The long-awaited free trade agreement signed Sunday between 15 Asia-Pacific countries after eight years of talks reflect their determination to strengthen economic unity and promote free trade, regardless of political differences, as questions loom over how U.S. President-elect Joe Biden will engage with the region. Japan hopes the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which includes China and South Korea and represents 30% of the world’s trade and population, will encourage the United States to return to a multilateral trade framework.

Click here to read the news in The Japan Times

Japan Hopes RCEP Deal Pushes Biden and U.S. to Rejoin Trade Frameworks