Kevin Rudd: Scrapping TPP will Hurt America's Credibility in Asia
Interview with BBC
ASPI President Kevin Rudd spoke to BBC on November 2, 2016 on the "rising tide of protectionism" in the United States and around the world. He warned that if this tide "begins to re-erect real trade barriers, then we undermine the economic growth model which has helped Asia develop since 1945, and certainly since 1975."
Regarding the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), Rudd argued that American credibility would take a hit in the Asia-Pacific if the United States congress decides not to pass TPP. He also said that "For the TPP to be a successful instrument of regional and bilateral trade policy, the door has to be wide open for China to join."