With the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit under way in Hawaii, the U.S.-led Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is gaining momentum.

Nine countries including the U.S, Australia, Vietnam and Chile have agreed to speed up negotiations on the free trade accord with the aim of reaching an agreement sometime next year.

Japan has officially declared its intent to join the partnership, which has triggered protest from China. China said Japan's will to join the partnership has put a damper on the creation of an Asian regional economic block.

However, the United States stands firm in its position allowing the admittance of more nations into the agreement.

As the U.S. expands its strategic interest with the Asia-Pacific region through the TPP, China is expected to increasingly check America's moves.