US Trade Representative Tai Hints at New Asian Economic Framework: NHK

Trade Representative Katherine Tai addresses the Geneva Graduate Institute on the role of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in the global economy and U.S. policy priorities ahead of the 12th Ministerial Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, on Oct. 14, 2021. Denis Balibouse/Reuters

TOKYO—U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai said the United States may set up a new Asian economic framework with allies and “friendly” nations as early as next year, NHK public television reported on Thursday.

The United States and Japan announced on Wednesday a new trade partnership to boost cooperation on labour, environment, and digital trade issues, with an emphasis on “third country concerns,” a reference to China’s state-driven economic policies.