Thousands protest against TPP, claim trade deal will kill jobs

The biggest trade deal in history was signed Thursday, tying 12 Pacific rim countries in a US-led initiative aimed at wresting influence from China. The Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) aims to slash tariffs and trade barriers for an enormous 40 percent of the global economy -- but does not include Beijing. But critics say the TPP will kill jobs and impact on sovereignty in Asia-Pacific countries. In Lima, Peru and other countries, thousands of protesters took to the streets. Protester and leader of the New Zone collective Beto Allasi "We are out for the fourth time against the TPP, against this trans pacific agreement that was signed yesterday and that will go before congress. We are asking the congress not to approve it." "This treaty constitutes a violation of the fundamental rights in issues related to health, internet access, intellectual property and investment."

Trade ministers from 12 participating countries -- Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States and Vietnam -- signed the pact in Auckland, New Zealand on Thursday. Member states still have two years to get the deal approved at home before it becomes legally binding.