At the beginning of 2025, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) marked its third year of implementation. The agreement, covering China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and ASEAN countries, initiated a historic economic integration process in the Asia-Pacific region. Encompassing nearly a third of the global economy and more than two-thirds of the global population, RCEP provided a stable economic cooperation platform for its member countries, helping to rapidly promote regional trade, investment, and technological exchanges amid global economic slowdown and rising protectionism.
RCEP aims to facilitate trade among its members, improve investment processes, and increase regional cooperation. In particular, harmonization of trade regulations and investment facilitation have significantly contributed to economic integration in the region. Under China’s leadership, the agreement has not only supported economic growth but also strengthened regional cooperation in political relations. China has played a key role in the implementation of RCEP by reducing trade tariffs, increasing investment opportunities, and ensuring sustainable growth in the Asia-Pacific region.