TOKYO—U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai said the United States may set up a new Asian economic framework with allies and “friendly” nations as early as next year, NHK public television reported on Thursday. The United States and Japan announced on Wednesday a new trade partnership to boost cooperation on labour, environment, and digital trade issues, with an emphasis on “third country concerns,” a reference to China’s state-driven economic policies. Tai, who has been visiting Tokyo and met with Japanese officials on Wednesday, told NHK in an interview that the new partnership with nations in the Indo-Pacific region could be launched as early as next year. “Early next year, we are considering working with countries in the region to set up an economic framework, a framework with countries that share issues,” she was quoted as saying. No further details were given. Former U.S. President Donald Trump pulled the United States out …