The United Kingdom has initiated negotiations with a view to entering the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

This treaty came out of the Asia-Pacific Regional Economic Forum (APEC). After having joined, the United States withdrew soon after Donald Trump’s inauguration as president. It covers all aspects of trade except drugs and tobacco.

The CPTTP was devised in order to create an anti-China free trade zone, but China has recently applied for membership following the announcement of the AUKUS Military Pact.

Beijing’s and London’s respective projects are entering a competition, which will result in either a regional peace treaty or a free trade zone driven by the Anglo-Saxons against China.