China to accelerate free-trade negotiations

A stevedore works at Qingdao port in Shandong province, July 1, 2015. [Photo/IC]

Beijing will also launch FTA negotiations with Israel and initiate FTA feasibility studies with Colombia, India, Nepal, Maldives and South Pacific island nations including Fiji and Papua New Guinea this year, as well as reinstate free trade negotiations with the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf.

Shen Danyang, spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce, said China believes that members of the World Trade Organization will not abandon their existing multilateral trading system, since it brings benefits to the global economy. The WTO is still in control of the multilateral trade mechanism.

"China hopes the TPP pact and other free trade arrangements in the region will complement each other and contribute to Asia-Pacific trade, investment and economic growth," he said.

The TPP members also discussed details on Thursday like where to establish its secretariat, and what kind of access should be given if new countries or regions want to join the group.

Xinhua contributed to this story.