And also other initiatives including some joint interpretations for Investment (on NT, MFN, MST, right to regulate, and dominant and effective nationality), and dialogues on economic coercion (to share info and coordinate responses) and market distorting practices. 8/8

And tucked in an Annex, more detail on the upgrade - featuring domestic regulation in Services, AI and other issues in E-Commerce, and supply chain resilience. 7/8

No Secretariat yet, but a "Unit" (with upper case U) is coming to "provide administrative support". Report on the Unit due in 2026. 6/8

The first General Review is done and upgrade negotiations are coming for E-Commerce, Services, Trade Facilitation, and Women's Economic Empowerment. 5/8

Also interesting reference to "illegal transhipment" which I haven't seen previously in CPTPP statements (although perhaps has featured) but certainly part of US narrative now (and causing consternation in the region). 4/8

Costa Rica accession still going... just a reporting coming in a month and aim to conclude "in a timely manner". But next negotiation to start with Uruguay, and then potential for UAE, Philippines and Indonesia to commence in 2026 (without any guarantee of membership). 3/8

A few references made to economic cooperation and market distorting practices - the former particularly relevant given China's recent measures against Japan. 2/8

I keep trying to convince DFAT of this!

Also how does Hong Kong figure in this - Malaysia supported Hong Kong’s accession to RCEP in April. Does that count as an “agreement with a country that jeopardizes essential U.S. interests”?

Didn’t mention in post - but while China’s CPTPP accession has no chance at present, the US-Malaysia deal adds another obstacle. Canada, Mexico and now Malaysia all have poison pill deals with US, plus Malaysia obliged to consult re digital trade. Takes some pressure off US allies in CPTPP