Taiwan is already discussing joining the CPTPP with other member states

Taipei – December 21, 2022. Taiwan is already in informal talks with members of the CPTPP trade agreement about Taiwan’s bid for membership. Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) said this during a press conference in parliament today.

CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership) is a trade agreement between 11 countries in the Pacific region. Both Taiwan and China have applied to join the agreement in mid-2021.

During an exclusive interview with RTI yesterday, Wu said Taiwan is engaged in informal talks with CPTPP member states. He said Taiwan has already managed to clear up misunderstandings and convince some hesitant countries. However, some countries are still reluctant to reveal their point of view due to China’s influence.

Wu said the informal talks could speed up the approval process once Taiwan’s application has been reviewed. Currently, the UK’s application for membership is still being considered by CPTPP members.