"Sixteen Asia-Pacific countries are set to start talks next month on a free trade zone that would cover over half the world?s population, according to a document obtained by AFP Tuesday. The start of negotiations for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) are planned despite deep rifts among potential members, including China, Japan and Southeast Asian nations, over rival territorial claims. Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), who will meet in Brunei on Wednesday and Thursday, are expected to focus on kick-starting the talks after launching the process last year at a regional summit in Phnom Penh..."