在缺少统一地区框架的情况下，毫不奇怪会产生互相敌对的结构。 美国领衔的跨太平洋合作伙伴关系（TPP）将环太平洋12国联系起来，形成一个巨大的自由贸易区，并根据一套一致同意的事先确定的规则治理。
In the absence of coherent regional frameworks, it is no surprise that rival structures are being built, with the US championing the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which will link 12 Pacific Rim countries into a vast free-trade area, governed by an advanced set of agreed rules.