While other U.S. allies participated modestly in exercises in the South China Sea with a warship or two, the United Kingdom jumped in with both feet, dispatching an aircraft carrier fleet. This highlighted its special relationship with the U.S. and revealed some deeper strategic intent.

China made headway with CPTPP, but had setback on trade pact with Europe.

The resurrected TPP, spearheaded by Japan, alongside the RCEP agreement has the potential to offset billions in economic losses from the U.S.’s trade war. In due time, it could be a prize too sweet for the U.S. to hold out from.

The country is determined to make reforms necessary to becoming a full participant in a world currently being shaped by mega FTAs. It wants to play a bigger role in international rule-making, but some changes won’t be easy.