ZCZC
BCN-07
INDIA-CHINA-POLITICS-TRADE
India says ‘not joining’ sprawling Asia trade pact
BANGKOK, Nov 4, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – India said Monday it will not join a sprawling Asia trade pact backed by China that members hoped to get over the line at a regional summit in Bangkok.
“We have conveyed to the participating countries that we will not be joining the RCEP,” Vijay Thakur Singh, a senior diplomat in charge of East Asia for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, told reporters.
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) includes all 10 Southeast Asian countries plus China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.
BSS/AFP/MMA/2005HRS