China applies to join digital economy pact, confirming Xi Jinping’s G20 speech

The Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA) currently covers Singapore, New Zealand and Chile, while Canada has also expressed an interest to join it

President Xi Jinping had confirmed China’s plans to join the pact in a speech to the Group of 20 (G20) leaders’ summit in Rome on Sunday

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China will apply to join the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement to strengthen international cooperation on digital regulation, President Xi Jinping said in a virtual speech during the Group of 20 (G20) leaders’ summit in Rome on Sunday. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 12:58pm, 1 Nov 2021Updated: 10:14pm, 1 Nov 2021

China has applied to join the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA), the commerce ministry said on Monday.

China said the agreement will help China’s cooperation with member countries in the digital economy.

The pact currently covers Singapore, New Zealand and Chile, while Canada has expressed an interest to join it.

The statement from China’s Ministry of Commerce confirmed a speech by President Xi Jinping during the Group of 20 (G20) leaders’ summit in Rome on Sunday.

China attaches great importance to international cooperation on the digital economy

Xi Jinping

“China attaches great importance to international cooperation on the digital economy,” Xi Jinping said in a virtual speech.

“China stands ready to work with all parties for the healthy and orderly development of the digital economy.”

White House officials are discussing proposals for a digital trade agreement covering Indo-Pacific economies as the administration seeks ways to check China’s influence in the region, people familiar with the plans said in July.