Taiwan applies to join CPTPP trade agreement amid concerns of opposition from China

Taiwan on Wednesday h filed an official application to join Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) tre group. However, John Deng, Taiwanese minister without a portfolio has stated that  move could rattle China. Beijing h earlier submitted its application on September 16 and if it is approved, it could create an obstacle for island nation. Deng remarked that China has been obstructing Taiwan in international arena.

“China has been obstructing Taiwan’s opportunities in international arena,” said Deng at a news conference.

“If China joins ahe of Taiwan, it will endanger Taiwan’s application.” he ded 

Apart from John Deng, even Taiwanese experts have warned that if China was allowed to join, n Taiwan could face more obstacles in becoming part of a wide regional tre alliance. 

Trans-Pacific Partnership

 Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) tre group is a free tre agreement (FTA) between Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cana, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, New Zealand, Singapore and Vietnam. It was signed in March 2018 in Santiago, Chile. It was earlier, Trans-Pacific Partnership, a group promoted by n US President Barack Obama. His successor, Donald Trump, pulled out in 2017. President Joe Biden has not rejoined. Trump's decision to pull out paved way for Japan to become leing economy in group.

China-Taiwan tussle 

China and Taiwan have been engaged in a tussle as Beijing claims full sovereignty over island nation, a thriving democracy of almost 24 million people located off souastern coast of mainland China. Beijing continues to claim Taiwan even as latter has been governed separately for more than seven deces.

On or hand, Taipei has countered Chinese aggression by increasing strategic ties with democracies and rivals of China, mainly United States. Beijing has repeatedly opposed US and Taiwan ties and has constantly threatened that "Taiwan's independence" means war. Moreover, US has supported Taiwan by maintaining close ties and providing it with military assets. On or hand, Taiwan also enjoys support from United States. On June 1, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged complete reunification with self-ruled Taiwan and vowed to smash any attempts at formal independence for island. 

(With inputs from Agencies) 

Image: AP