Government representatives from 16 countries in the region met in Bali recently to continue negotiations for a new regional trade agreement, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). If successful, the deal will create the world’s largest free trade area, covering more than half the world’s population. It includes China, India, all ASEAN countries as well as Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea. Trade agreements like the RCEP are designed to make it easier for foreign multinational corporations to invest and do business. In doing so, they put the rights of citizens and workers second to profits. Agreements usually include commitments to cut government regulations on corporations (like setting price limits, quality guarantees or staffing levels). They also include investor protection that allows foreign multinational companies (but not local compan...

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