Despite obstacles, the White House continues to push preferential trade deals in Asia and Europe. But neither can reverse the erosion of U.S. innovation and in Asia Pacific the proposed pact is more likely to divide than unify the region.

China’s “Foreign Investment Law” was solicited for public comment from foreign companies, lawyers, and policy makers, and though not finalized, represents a move to improve openness, promote foreign investment, and regulate investment behavior. Pan Xiaoming explains the new features that fundamentally change the structure of Chinese foreign investment.

China's latest round of reforms arrives at a critical moment in the debate about the renminbi’s internationalization. Should the renminbi join the US dollar and the euro as an international vehicle currency, and can Shanghai subsequently become a first-tier international financial center?

Zhang Monan on the objectives of the Shanghai free-trade zone.

The launch of the Shanghai free trade zone portends much greater growth in the restructuring of China's financial system as a whole, writes Hu Shuli, editor-in-chief of Caixin Media.

The Shanghai Free Trade Zone is another strategic move in China’s latest round of boosting opening with further reform, writes Zhang Monan.

Zhang Monan writes that China’s new round of reform will bring dividends generated by activated domestic consumption, institutional reform and a new round of globalization.

As the proposed free trade zone is about to take off in Shanghai, the megacity’s growth will accelerate, China’s financial reforms will speed up and the competitive impact will be felt in Hong Kong and Singapore, as well as in New York City and London.