UPSC Prelims 2016 Q41: Current Affairs – International Relations & Treaties
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: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)
The TPP was a trade agreement signed by 12 countries in February 2016.
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. It is an agreement among all the Pacific Rim countries except China and Russia | Incorrect | Many Pacific Rim countries, such as South Korea, Indonesia and the Philippines, were also outside it |
| 2. It is a strategic alliance for the purpose of maritime security only | Incorrect | It is a trade and investment pact, not a security alliance |
The 12 signatories:
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| Americas | United States, Canada, Mexico, Chile, Peru |
| Asia | Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei |
| Oceania | Australia, New Zealand |
The United States withdrew in January 2017.
The other 11 signed the CPTPP in 2018.
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Several Pacific Rim countries besides China and Russia were not members.
- (b) Incorrect. The TPP is a trade pact, not an alliance for maritime security.
- (c) Incorrect. Both statements are false: wrong membership and wrong purpose.
- (d) CORRECT. The TPP was a 12-country trade agreement, so neither statement holds.
Key point
TPP (2016): trade agreement of 12 Pacific Rim countries; the US withdrew in 2017; the remaining 11 formed the CPTPP in 2018.
Remember
TPP = 12-country trade pact; now CPTPP of 11.
Common mistakes
- Accepting 'all ... except'; many countries on the Pacific Rim stayed out.
- Treating a trade pact as a security alliance.
- Confusing the TPP with RCEP, which includes China.
Exam tip
'All ... except' and 'only' in one question: both statements are likely wrong.
Sources
- Office of the United States Trade Representative — Trans-Pacific Partnership text (2016)
- Government of New Zealand (depositary) — CPTPP