Question

With reference to the ‘Trans-Pacific Partnership’, consider the following statements:
1. It is an agreement among all the Pacific Rim countries except China and Russia.
2. It is a strategic alliance for the purpose of maritime security only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer 1

(d) (i) It involves 12 countries: the US, Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Brunei, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, Chile and Peru. The pact aims to deepen economic ties between these nations, slashing tariffs and fostering trade to boost growth. It was signed on 4 February 2016 in Auckland, New Zealand.
(ii) TPP is meant for free trade. So second statement is wrong. We’ve to cross check the list of Pacific rim countries against TPP nations. The Pacific Rim includes countries bordering the Pacific Ocean, but North Korea and Columbia also Pacific rim countries. But not in TPP list of countries similarly Columbia absent. Therefore, answer (d). neither 1 nor 2 correct.