Summary

The emergence of 'mega regionals' like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) threatens to fragment global trade governance in fundamental ways. An important, yet so far under-explored, question is how the rising powers such as China, view these new mega regionals. This article intends to fill this gap in literature from a Chinese perspective on the TPP. Specifically, this essay argues against China's joining the TPP and suggests that China actively seek an alternative model of economic integration in the Asia Pacific region.