Building Towards the RCEP? Reflections on the ASEAN-China FTA

Abstract

Among the ASEAN’s external FTAs, the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) is of great significance to both the ASEAN and China. The ACFTA was one of the earliest trade pacts concluded by China. It is also part of the ASEAN’s broader push toward concluding FTAs outside the multilateral trading system, in line with the proliferation of regional trade pacts. This chapter will analyze the following questions: what is the approach of the ACFTA? What are the implications of the ACFTA for the the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)? What national implementation issues are involved with the ASEAN? The potential implications of the AHKFTA will be explored. The ACFTA does reflect a more flexible approach than other Chinese FTAs, and its implementation faces a number of challenges. It may contribute to the shaping of the RCEP.