Larger the scale, bigger the problem for RCEP

Editor's Note: A series of meetings among the foreign ministers of ASEAN and some other countries, including China, between Thursday and Sunday has drawn wide attention. But since protectionism poses a threat to free trade, ASEAN and China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand and India should expedite the process to reach a final deal on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. Two experts share their views on the RCEP's prospects with China Daily's Pan Yixuan. Excerpts follow:

FTA encounters new challenges