[New Tang Dynasty Beijing time September 25, 2021]After Taiwan formally applied to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), on September 24, the United States praised Taiwan’s achievements in global trade and democratic values. He also criticized Beijing’s recent large-scale invasion of the air defense identification zone on the island.
The original 12-member agreement was the “Trans-Pacific Partnership” (TPP). After the former President Trump (Trump) withdrew in early 2017, the group was renamed CPTPP. The members include Canada, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.
The Biden administration has made it clear that it is not eager to rejoin the agreement, and the State Council has admitted that it has no formal say in the application of the CCP and Taiwan to join.
“Nevertheless, we hope that Taiwan’s reputation as a responsible member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and Taiwan’s strong support for democratic values will be the evaluation factors that influence CPTPP members to decide Taiwan as a potential candidate for joining”, the US State Department said Ned Price told reporters.
At the same time, Price added: “We urge Beijing to stop its military, diplomatic, and economic pressure on Taiwan and engage in meaningful dialogue with Taiwan.”
On the 22nd, Taiwan formally applied to join the CPTPP. The next day, 24 Chinese fighters, including 18 fighters and two bombers with nuclear capabilities, flew over the air defense identification zone of the island.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense responded by activating its own fighter jets, issuing radio warnings to CCP fighters, and using land-based air defense missiles to track CCP fighters.
At the regular press conference on the 23rd, when asked about Taiwan’s application to join the CPTPP, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded as usual, stating that it “resolutely opposes” Taiwan’s accession to any official treaty or organization.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to Beijing’s remarks in a statement late on the 23rd, stressing that the CCP “has no say” in Taiwan’s application to join the CPTPP.
“The Chinese government only wants to bully Taiwan in the international community. It is the chief culprit leading to the increase in hostility across the Taiwan Strait,” the statement said.
The CCP applied to join the CPTPP on September 16, nearly a week before Taiwan submitted its application. People worry that if Beijing obtains membership before Taiwan, this may cause difficulties for Taiwan’s accession.
Whereas membership requires the approval of all 11 member states. Peru may become a disadvantage for Taiwan to join the CPTPP. As Peru’s largest trading partner and foreign investor, the CCP is seeking to expand its relationship with Peru.
Japan is the largest economy among the 11 member states of CPTPP, and it welcomes Taiwan to join.
(Comprehensive report by reporter Li Zhaoxi/Editor in charge: Lin Qing)
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