Mega FTAs and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) in the Asia Pacific Region: Will It Be Cooperation or Competition?

Abstract

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) are two mega free trade agreements (FTAs) in the Asia and Pacific region. However, theireconomic interests are rather deeply divided and related to political and security issues. Trade conflicts between the U.S.and China have continued since 2018. To tackle Chinese expansion, the Biden administration initiated the Indo-PacificEconomic Framework (IPEF) in 2021 instead of returning to the CPTPP. This article reviews the two mega FTAs and theIPEF, as well as East Asian collaboration and competition in the region. It examines the East Asian countries’ economicinterests in participating in the mega FTAs and the IPEF and considers how to overcome the protectionism caused by thetrade conflicts between G2. Finally, it analyzes the roles and strategies of major economies overcoming protectionism as thenew global supply and value chains are reshaping in the region.