China draws contrast with Aukus as it rallies support to join CPTPP

China has lobbied Mexico about its bid to join an Asia-Pacific trade deal while continuing to lash out against new security alliance Aukus during Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s calls with Southeast Asian counterparts.

Wang told Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard on Wednesday that Beijing’s bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) – whose 11 members include Mexico – showed its resolve in expanding China’s opening-up and its desire to help advance globalisation.