Asia’s RCEP - a China-led trade agreement - could set up a stable future for the continent despite today’s conflicts. Here’s how RCEP is re-shaping Asia’s destiny.

The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework proposed by the United States should blend with existing regional free trade arrangements, which are already well-developed. A quick look at the numbers shows there’s no advantage to leaving out Asia’s trade behemoth.

In a host of ways, the ,mega FTA, which spans two continents provides an antidote to rising global protectionism, unilateralism and the mindset of “my own interests first.”

In applying for membership, China has made a clear choice to adhere to high standards. Its market is huge, so others should evaluate carefully. If any member state, or the United States, blocks the way forward, an important opportunity for Asia-Pacific prosperity will be lost.

Humans, according to German sociologist Friedrich Ratzel, seek prosperity on two tracks: economic and political. The former is negotiated, while the latter — the U.S. model — is often forced. This is why China is likely to prevail.

China’s somewhat surprising petition to join the CPTPP presents serious challenges to the U.S.’s position in the region, and perhaps just as importantly, creates economic opportunity for China.

Growing tensions between China and the U.S. are nothing new, but the consequences of geopolitical exclusivity continue to compound. No country wants to be forced to choose between the first and second largest economy in the world.

Though the climate of international relations makes it feel like conflict could erupt at any minute, the complex ties and reliance the two nations have on each other make it an even messier affair.

After moves by France, Germany and the Netherlands, the introduction of the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific should come as no surprised. Two questions emerge: Is this new version of the strategy a follow-up to the United States or an independent strategic consideration? And how should China respond?

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.