BEIJING, April 27 — The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) should be steadfast in upholding multilateralism and counter challenges such as trade protectionism, as well as measures like the reciprocal tariffs announced by the United States (US).

President of the China Institute for Reform and Development (CIRD) Chi Fulin said it is more crucial now than ever for regional economies to uphold multilateralism through the RCEP.