Deeper Integration: New Trend in the Strategies for China’s Free Trade Area

　　Authors： DongYan, Assistant Research Fellow, Institute of World Economics and Politics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences

　　Feng Weijiang, Assistant Research Fellow, Institute of AsiaPacific Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences

　　Qiu Wei, PhD Candidate, WTO Institute, University of International Business and Economics

　　Abstract：Through theoretical discussions and analyses on case studies, this article uncovers the trend, the meanings, the motivations of deeper integration, as well as the impact of such phenomenon in the economicdevelopment of developing countries. This article identifies three models of current deeper integration practices: North-North, North-South, and South-South, and sees the NorthSouth model as the fastest growing trend in deeper integration initiatives given its lower risks, and greater returns and dynamic. In its section, this article turns to China’s growing propensity towards deeper integration in its involvement in regional integration processes. Through the case study of China-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement—a landmark deeper integration agreement which China has signed with a developed economy—this article exhibits how the deeper integration process and negotiation have been effective at balancing the interests of both parties of the agreement.