China files formal application to join DEPA

China has filed a formal application to join the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement, or the DEPA, the Ministry of Commerce said on Monday.

Commerce Minister Wang Wentao submitted the application via a letter to Damien O'Connor, minister for trade and export growth of New Zealand, which is the depositary for the DEPA.

The ministry said the application is in accordance with the country’s efforts to further deepen reform and expand high-level opening-up. It will also help China strengthen cooperation with other DEPA members in the digital economy sector under the new development pattern, as well as promote innovation and sustainable development.

The DEPA, signed by Chile, New Zealand and Singapore in June 2020, is a new international trade partnership agreement seeking to foster digital trade by regulating issues related to the digital economy, including digital inclusion, data flows and protection, and artificial intelligence.