China Application to CPTPP

Question 1

Background, dates

Answer 1

-The comprehensive and progressive agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is a multilateral free-trade agreement signed by eleven Asia-Pacific states, including Australia, in 2018
-China officially applied to become a member of the CPTPP in September 2021
-Any accession of new members requires the agreement of all existing party-states
-Australia declined the application of China

Question 2

Relevant FPI, power

Answer 2

-Hard power
-Trade FPI
-Economic/ political power

Question 3

Pragmatism/idealism

Answer 3

-It also ties into pragmatism, seeing as China had sanctions on Australian goods at the time (see quote)

Question 4

Pragmatism quote

Answer 4

An Australian trade official commented on May 2023 that “it would be impossible for the Australian government to publicly support the Chinese membership when trade sanctions were in place”.