ABSTRACT
Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) marks an important step in the evolution of increasing international economic ties in the postwar era of globalization. TPP represents a concerted effort to challenge China's dominance of trade in the Pacific Basin. This chapter looks at the evolution of trade relations between the member countries in the context of growing economic interdependence during the postwar era. The importance of links between the countries in a global production chain is highlighted as an impetus for the members to work toward an agreement. The chapter examines the emergence of economic competitors that have increased the imperative and made the prospects of TPP more attractive. It includes primarily the emergence of China as the main trade partner for an increasingly larger set of countries, including many TPP members. The chapter also looks at the challenges that lie ahead for TPP to be implemented and identifies the possible winners and losers.
