Question map
The term Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership' often appears in the news in the context of the affairs of a group of countries known as
Explanation
The correct answer is option B - ASEAN.
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) was established by the leaders of 16 participating countries to broaden engagement among parties, building upon ASEAN's existing free trade agreements with six partners namely China, Republic of Korea, Japan, India, as well as Australia and New Zealand.[1] The RCEP was built upon the existing ASEAN+1 FTAs with the spirit to strengthen economic linkages and enhance trade and investment related activities.[1] This clearly demonstrates that RCEP is fundamentally associated with ASEAN and its partner countries, making it an ASEAN-centric initiative. The framework essentially consolidates and expands upon the multiple bilateral FTAs that ASEAN had with various partners into a single comprehensive regional agreement. Therefore, RCEP appears in news in the context of ASEAN affairs, not G20, SCO, or SAARC.
Sources- [1] Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) > p. 394
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Full viewThis is a classic 'News-to-Static' transition question. In 2016, RCEP was a hot current affair; today, it is a standard chapter in Economy books. The strategy is simple: for every trade acronym, identify the 'Anchor Organization' (here, ASEAN) immediately.
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
- Explicitly states RCEP was established by leaders of 16 participating countries in the East Asia region.
- Says RCEP was built upon existing ASEAN+1 free trade agreements, linking it directly to ASEAN and its FTA partners.
- Mentions the objective to strengthen economic linkages among parties in the region (context for association).
- Discusses India's relations/FTAs with ASEAN, Japan and South Korea in the context of RCEP, implying RCEP involves these East Asian economies.
- Notes that India could join RCEP in future, reinforcing RCEP's association with ASEAN and major East Asian partners.
- Describes ASEAN as principally an economic association, supporting the interpretation that RCEP is centred on ASEAN economic cooperation.
- Provides background on ASEAN's economic role, which RCEP builds upon.
- [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Direct hit from any 2016 newspaper or current standard Economy text (e.g., Vivek Singh Ch. 13).
- [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) and the principle of 'ASEAN Centrality' in Indo-Pacific economics.
- [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: 1. RCEP Members (10 ASEAN + China, Japan, S. Korea, Australia, NZ). 2. India's 2019 withdrawal reason (fear of import surges/dairy sector). 3. CPTPP (higher standards, US withdrew). 4. IPEF (US-led, 4 pillars, not a traditional FTA). 5. Chiang Mai Initiative (ASEAN+3 currency swap arrangement).
- [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Always map the 'Hub and Spoke' model for international groupings. RCEP isn't a standalone body; it is a treaty anchored by the ASEAN hub. Ask: 'Who is the parent?' for every acronym.
RCEP is described as built upon ASEAN+1 FTAs and formed by leaders of 16 countries in the East Asian/ASEAN context.
High yield for UPSC: questions often ask about regional trade agreements and their institutional bases. Understanding that RCEP is ASEAN‑centred helps answer why certain countries are included/excluded and links to geopolitics and trade strategy. Study strategy: map ASEAN+1 FTAs and memorise how regional agreements layer on ASEAN foundations.
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) > p. 394
- Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Contemporary Centres of Power > Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) > p. 21
References list ASEAN partners (China, Korea, Japan, India, Australia, New Zealand) and mention Japan/South Korea in RCEP context.
Useful for MCQs and mains: knowing which countries/regions constitute RCEP clarifies trade impact and diplomatic choices (e.g., India’s options). Prepare by tabulating major regional FTAs and member/partner lists and practising factual recall questions.
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) > p. 394
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) > p. 395
Sources link RCEP to existing FTAs/CEPAs (ASEAN+1 FTAs, India’s CEPAs), showing how bilateral/regional pacts aggregate into larger plurilateral deals.
Important for essay and policy questions on trade liberalisation and regionalism. Understanding this concept helps explain negotiation dynamics and domestic policy choices. Prepare by comparing bilateral FTAs, CEPAs and regional pacts and their implications for market access.
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) > p. 395
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > 13.13 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and RCEP > p. 393
Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralisation (CMIM). While RCEP is the trade arm of the ASEAN+ ecosystem, CMIM is the financial safety net (currency swap) arm involving ASEAN+3 (China, Japan, S. Korea). It is the logical sibling fact.
Analyze the scope of the acronyms. 'G20' is Global (not Regional). 'SCO' is primarily Security/Political (Shanghai Cooperation). 'SAARC' is South Asian (and notoriously stagnant/dormant). 'ASEAN' is the only active, purely 'Regional' economic bloc known for aggressive trade partnerships (the 'Noodle Bowl' of FTAs).
Mains GS3 (Economy - External Sector): India's withdrawal from RCEP is a prime case study for the debate between 'Protectionism' (saving domestic dairy/steel) vs. 'Global Value Chain Integration'. Use RCEP as an example of India's cautious approach to FTAs.