During the United States' recent Asia tour, it was announced that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (iPEF) involving Korea and Japan would be officially launched, leading to sensitive reactions from China. President Joe Biden confirmed the launch during a video call, marking a significant economic cooperative effort aimed at reducing economic dependence on China. Potential participants include Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the Philippines. Once launched, the iPEF will focus on supply chain stability, eco-friendliness, and preventing industrial corruption. China expressed opposition to Korea's involvement, seeing it as a move to isolate China economically. The iPEF aims to strengthen economic ties among Indo-Pacific countries, particularly in industries like semiconductors, while maintaining flexibility in agreements. This initiative reflects a broader strategy by the United States to balance its economic relationship with China, which has garnered mixed reactions globally, including concerns over Taiwan.
Sure, here are the key facts extracted from the text without including opinions:
1. The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (iPEF) will be officially launched during the United States' Asia tour, with participation from Korea and Japan.
2. President Joe Biden confirmed his visit to Japan to launch iPEF, marking the first official schedule confirmation.
3. The launch of iPEF aims to demonstrate the United States' presence in the Indo-Pacific region and adopt an active economic strategy.
4. iPEF is an economic cooperative effort gathering allies and friendly countries of the United States.
5. Possible participants in iPEF include Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the Philippines.
6. Participating countries will discuss agendas such as a stable supply chain, eco-friendliness, and prevention of industrial corruption.
7. China is reacting sensitively to the United States' increased involvement in the economic sector and opposes the launch of iPEF.
8. There have been negotiations to develop the Korea-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and cooperation in supply chain areas.
9. The United States is seeking to reduce economic dependence on China for items like semiconductor batteries.
10. Korea's participation in iPEF may affect its relationship with China and could lead to economic retaliation.
11. The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework is an economic cooperation organization focused on issues like semiconductor supply chains.
12. The framework does not require complete market opening as a precondition for participation.
13. The United States aims to strengthen its economic ties with key allies in response to China's influence.
14. China views Korea's participation in iPEF negatively and opposes divisions created by it.
15. China has expressed concerns about the involvement of Taiwan in discussions regarding the Taiwan Strait.
16. China has deployed military aircraft over Taiwan's air defense identification zone in response to perceived interference by the U.S.
These are the key facts from the provided text.