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Former U.S. Ambassador Kurt Tong has warned that the United States is at a disadvantage in Asia when it comes to trade, following the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) by 15 member countries, led by China. Tong stated that the U.S. is "on the backfoot in Asia" as President-elect Joe Biden seeks to reverse the "America First" approach to trade. The RCEP, which covers a third of global economic output, is seen as a significant development for China and could lead to a more unified trading system in the region. Tong also discussed the potential return to the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the likelihood of the Biden administration seeking out bilateral agreements, with India being a key opportunity.
