Taiwan expresses regret after CPTPP does not address its accession

Taipei, Nov. 21 (CNA) Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Friday voiced dissatisfaction with the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose latest meeting, concluded earlier the same day, appeared not to address the country's application.

In a statement, MOFA said the CPTPP commission had "once again failed to fairly process Taiwan's application," attributing the inaction to the bloc's "succumbing to political pressure," without elaborating.

Taiwan submitted its CPTPP application under the name "Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu" on Sept. 22, 2021 -- less than a week after China filed its bid.

Beijing, which considers Taiwan part of its territory, has publicly opposed Taiwan's membership, raising concerns among Taiwanese officials that a successful Chinese bid could sink Taiwan's hopes of joining the CPTPP.

MOFA's comments came after the CPTPP commission concluded its meeting in Melbourne, Australia, earlier Friday, where member states agreed to start Uruguay's accession process.

In a joint statement, the CPTPP members said they "have identified four aspirants who are in line with the Auckland Principles, namely Uruguay, the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines, and Indonesia."

"We have decided to commence an accession process with Uruguay, and will commence with the others in 2026, if appropriate," said the statement, which made no mention of Taiwan or China.

In its statement, MOFA said it would continue efforts to show CPTPP members that Taiwan meets the high standards required by the bloc, which currently has 12 members and represents approximately 15 percent of the global economy, and to secure their support for its membership.

The ministry also highlighted Taiwan's commitment to align its trade practices and regulations with international standards and noted that the island has signed trade or investment agreements with multiple CPTPP members, including Singapore, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.