Australia sets conditions for China joining Pacific pact

As China formally applies to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and works to gain the consensus support of its 11 members, Australia’s trade minister has reportedly set de facto preconditions for accession. Australia reportedly has indicated that China must first resolve disputes at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) regarding sanctions on numerous Australian imports. Australian wine sales to China fell from over A$1 billion (US$840 million) after Beijing imposed the tariffs.