BEIJING/SINGAPORE – Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday said he will give “positive consideration” to joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact, likely in a move to bolster the country’s presence in Asia while the U.S. focuses on its presidential transition.

His comments likely were designed to signal China’s plan to play a larger economic role in the region. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump during his tenure has pulled his country out of the TPP under his “America first” strategy, and also decided against joining the RCEP. Xi spoke out against the rise of protectionism at an event leading up to the summit on Thursday. (Nikkei)