Taiwan’s CPTPP Bid Stuck in Limbo, Awaiting Clarity from Trade Bloc
Photo: CNA
Taiwan is awaiting a decision on its application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a major regional trade bloc. At a recent press briefing in Taipei, Cabinet spokesperson Michelle Lee declined to comment on reports that discussions on Taiwan’s membership had been postponed.
“At the moment, [we have] no further comment on the matter,” Lee stated.
She added that Taiwan was hoping for clarity following the CPTPP commission meeting in Vancouver, Canada, which took place yesterday and today.
The CPTPP, representing 12 member states and encompassing about 15 percent of the global economy, is a highly sought-after trade agreement.
Political Hurdles Faced by Taiwan’s Bid
Recent reports suggested Taiwan, along with Costa Rica, was considered one of the most prepared applicants for CPTPP membership. However, raises concerns about a lack of consensus among some CPTPP members, particularly Malaysia and Singapore, regarding Taiwan’s accession.
Taiwan’s bid has been caught in a geopolitical crossfire, largely due to its complex relationship with China. Beijing, which opposes Taiwan’s aspirations to join the CPTPP, submitted its own application to the trade bloc in September 2021, just days before Taiwan.
“Taiwan’s bid had been held up because of the politics with China,” a source familiar with the matter reportedly revealed.
Officials in Taiwan have expressed concern that a successful bid by China could jeopardize Taiwan’s own chances of joining the CPTPP.
Lee emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to adhering to the “three ‘Auckland Principles’,” established by the CPTPP to ensure high standards for new members.
The Office of Trade Negotiations, responsible for Taiwan’s trade policy, also declined to comment on the reports.
Taiwan’s Trade Negotiator Stresses Importance of CPTPP Membership
Last month, at an economic forum in Taipei, Yang Jen-ni, head of the Office of Trade Negotiations and Taiwan’s top trade negotiator, underscored the significance of CPTPP membership for the island nation.
“Joining the CPTPP,” Yang said, “is essential for Taiwan.”
She warned that excluding Taiwan from the bloc would hinder its ability to adapt and enhance its competitiveness in the global market. Additionally, Yang highlighted that Taiwan’s absence from the CPTPP would represent a “missed opportunity” for the pact’s other members who could benefit from Taiwan’s unique strengths in advanced technologies and various other sectors.
The CPTPP is a significant economic partnership, and Taiwan’s access to its expanded market opportunities could provide substantial benefits to its economy. As the situation unfolds, the coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining the outcome of Taiwan’s bid for CPTPP membership.
What role is Japan playing in Taiwan’s CPTPP bid and what are their motivations?
## Taiwan’s CPTPP Bid: Awaiting Clarity
**Host:** Joining us today to discuss Taiwan’s bid to join the CPTPP, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, is Dr. Anya Chen, a leading expert on trade and regional cooperation in East Asia. Dr. Chen, thank you for joining us.
**Dr. Chen:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Taiwan’s application to the CPTPP seems to be in a holding pattern. Can you shed some light on the current situation?
**Dr. Chen:** Certainly. Taiwan’s bid has been progressing, with reports suggesting it, along with Costa Rica, was among the most prepared candidates. However, recent reports indicate that discussions on Taiwan’s membership have been postponed. The CPTPP commission meeting in Vancouver concluded recently, but there’s been no official word on Taiwan’s application.
**Host:** So, what are the hurdles Taiwan is facing?
**Dr. Chen:** While Taiwan technically meets the economic criteria for CPTPP membership, there are significant political obstacles. Primarily, concerns have been raised by members like Malaysia and Singapore regarding Taiwan’s relationship with mainland China.
**Host:** This situation reeks of geopolitical maneuvering. What does Taiwan’s future look like within the CPTPP, or even independently, within this complex political landscape?
**Dr. Chen:** This is a crucial question, indeed. [1] Interestingly, Japan, a key CPTPP member, appears to be advocating for Taiwan’s inclusion. This is likely linked to Japan’s desire to maintain Taiwan’s economic stability and political independence as a counterweight to China’s growing influence in the region. However, Japan alone cannot guarantee Taiwan’s entry.
**Host:** Dr. Chen, thank you for providing your insights on this complex issue. We’ll continue to monitor the situation and hopefully get clarity on Taiwan’s CPTPP bid soon.
