The Australian argues that Protectionism and isolation is the way to poverty.
The collapse of what would have been the worlds biggest free trade deal, the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership has already had consequences. In Lima, Chinese leader Xi Jinping emerged as the unlikely champion of global free trade. He won more support for what was conceived as Beijings counterpoint to the TPP, the 16-nation Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. The partnership excludes the US, Australia is a participant.
RCEP has the potential to advance Beijings ambitions to be the foremost economic and strategic power of the Asia-Pacific and to extend Chinas influence in the South China Sea. Mr Trump, with his declared aim of making America great again, must not ignore that likelihood.
The concerns about US isolationism that overshadowed APEC should show Mr Trump how high the stakes would be for the US in any retreat into protectionism.
Protectionism and isolation is the way to poverty.
