The correct option is (d).
Explanation
The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) was a proposed trade agreement between 12 Pacific Rim economies aimed at deepening economic ties, slashing tariffs, and fostering trade to boost growth. Following the withdrawal of the United States in 2017, the remaining members renegotiated the pact as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect. The TPP was never an agreement among all Pacific Rim countries. While it included 12 nations (Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States, and Vietnam), many other Pacific Rim nations were not members (e.g., South Korea, Indonesia, the Philippines, Colombia, and Thailand). Therefore, it was not an exhaustive grouping of all countries in the region except China and Russia.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect. The TPP was a trade and economic partnership, not a strategic alliance for maritime security. Its primary objectives included lowering trade barriers, establishing standards for labor and the environment, protecting intellectual property, and creating a dispute settlement mechanism. It did not have a military or maritime security mandate.
Key Takeaway:
The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) was a multilateral free trade agreement involving a specific subset of Pacific Rim nations, distinct from military alliances or all-encompassing geographical groupings.