Introduction: Taiwan’s Response to Delay in CPTPP Accession Process
Taiwan’s Office of Trade Negotiations expressed disappointment on Friday regarding the apparent delay in the consideration of Taiwan’s application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The setback came after the CPTPP’s commission meeting in Vancouver, Canada, failed to initiate the formal process for Taiwan’s accession.
In a press statement, the trade office voiced “deep regret” over the inability of CPTPP members to agree on launching Taiwan’s membership process. The delay has raised concerns about the political factors influencing the decision, particularly Taiwan’s relationship with China.
CPTPP Members’ Hesitation: Political Concerns and Trade Relations
The decision to withhold a formal agreement to begin Taiwan’s accession process during the meeting from November 27-28 was seen as a significant setback. Taiwan’s Office of Trade Negotiations urged CPTPP members to “remove political considerations” and move forward with creating a working group to facilitate Taiwan’s membership.
The office’s remarks likely refer to the reluctance of some CPTPP member states to engage with the Taiwan issue due to the sensitive nature of their relations with China. Beijing has applied for membership in the CPTPP and opposes Taiwan’s inclusion, making the issue highly contentious among the trade bloc’s members.
Taiwan’s Diplomatic Efforts and Commitment to Reform
Taiwan’s government has been actively pushing for greater engagement with CPTPP members since submitting its application in September 2021. As part of this effort, Taiwan has implemented a series of legal and regulatory reforms aimed at aligning its trade standards with those of the CPTPP.
Despite the setbacks, Taiwan remains committed to enhancing its economic relations with member states to garner support for its accession. The Office of Trade Negotiations continues to focus on strengthening bilateral ties and ensuring that Taiwan’s economic reforms meet the high standards required for membership.
CPTPP’s Expansion: Costa Rica’s Accession Process Moves Forward
During the same meeting, the CPTPP members decided to advance the accession process for Costa Rica, which applied to join the trade bloc in August 2022. Canadian International Trade Minister Mary Ng announced that a working group would be established to manage Costa Rica’s membership process.
Ng did not directly address questions regarding Taiwan’s application, instead emphasizing that the CPTPP remains “completely open to having new members join, provided they meet the bloc’s high standards.”
Political Sensitivity: Canada’s One-China Policy and Consensus Decision-Making
In response to questions about whether Taiwan’s bid was delayed due to China’s objections, Minister Ng reiterated Canada’s adherence to the “one-China” policy. She explained that while Canada maintains its policy on China, the decision to admit new members to the CPTPP requires unanimous consensus among all member states.
The process of expanding the CPTPP depends on each member agreeing to the terms of new applicants, a requirement that has made Taiwan’s bid challenging due to the geopolitical situation.
Table: CPTPP Members and Taiwan’s Accession Status
| Current CPTPP Members | Status of Taiwan’s Application | Accession Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Under consideration | Pending |
| Brunei | Under consideration | Pending |
| Canada | Under consideration | Pending |
| Chile | Under consideration | Pending |
| Japan | Under consideration | Pending |
| Malaysia | Under consideration | Pending |
| Mexico | Under consideration | Pending |
| New Zealand | Under consideration | Pending |
| Peru | Under consideration | Pending |
| Singapore | Under consideration | Pending |
| Vietnam | Under consideration | Pending |
| United Kingdom (Joining Dec 2024) | Not applicable | Pending |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the CPTPP?
The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is a major free trade agreement comprising 11 member countries, including Japan, Canada, and Australia. It aims to promote economic integration, reduce tariffs, and create trade rules among Pacific Rim countries.
2. Why is Taiwan seeking to join the CPTPP?
Taiwan is seeking to join the CPTPP to strengthen its economic relations with key global markets, improve trade access, and align with international trade standards. Membership would also help Taiwan secure greater participation in global economic and political frameworks.
3. What has been the response to Taiwan’s CPTPP application?
While Taiwan has implemented significant reforms and diplomatic efforts, its application has faced resistance due to political concerns, primarily related to China’s objections to Taiwan’s participation in international organizations.
4. Which countries are blocking Taiwan’s accession to the CPTPP?
Although the CPTPP operates on consensus decision-making, countries with significant economic ties to China, such as Japan and Canada, have been cautious about endorsing Taiwan’s application due to the sensitive political implications.
5. What is the next step for Taiwan’s CPTPP application?
Taiwan continues to lobby for support from CPTPP members, hoping for the establishment of a working group to review its application. Taiwan’s Office of Trade Negotiations will continue efforts to align Taiwan’s trade practices with the CPTPP’s high standards.
Conclusion: Taiwan’s Continued Push for CPTPP Membership
Taiwan’s desire to join the CPTPP is a reflection of its commitment to strengthening its global trade ties. Despite the current delays and challenges, Taiwan remains determined to meet the standards required for membership and to work towards gaining the support of CPTPP member states. As the situation develops, Taiwan will continue its diplomatic efforts and internal reforms to ensure it is ready for eventual membership.
