WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – The United States is leading a constructive dialogue with the Chinese authorities considering the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade agreement, Assistant Secretary of the US State Department's Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs said Tuesday.
“With regards to China, virtually every chapter in TPP represents an ongoing discussion a line of effort between Washington and Beijing and, as [US] Ambassador [to China Jon] Huntsman can attest, we have a truly robust dialogue at multiple levels,” Daniel Russel said at an Atlantic Council TPP-focused public event.
According to Russel, the dialogue covers not only the range of trade, economics, financial issues, but also an entire range of global and regional issues including environment, human rights and the treatment of US and other international companies and organizations in China.
The talks on the deal’s wording concluded on October 5, after years of secret negotiations.
Opponents argue the TPP has been negotiated in unusual secrecy and could have negative implications for human rights, national sovereignty, employment and the environment. The deal’s supporters claim it will spur global economic growth and create jobs.