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Published Date: 2021-11-18
Singapore Foreign
Minister Vivian Balakrishnan says that the Comprehensive and Progressive
Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) welcomes Taiwan's application.
However, he also addressed the political complications of Taiwan's bid to join
the trade bloc. Balakrishnan shared these views on Thursday. His remarks weigh
heavily, since Singapore will be the chair of the CPTPP in 2022.
Balakrishnan's words
come as tensions run high, with Taiwan and China both submitting bids to join
the CPTPP. Many Taiwanese politicians fear that if China is accepted into the
CPTPP first, Taiwan's bid will be rejected.
Balakrishnan said,
"We would welcome [Taiwan's] application in the same way we would welcome
any economy that is willing and able to meet those high standards. Having said
that, there are obviously political complications in that respect, and like
many of the issues across the straits, again you do need resolution.”
Balakrishnan also
says that any government that wishes to join the CPTPP needs to be approved by
all other existing member nations. These include several US allies.
While Balakrishnan
has also welcomed China's interest in joining the CPTPP, not all other members
have reacted as positively. Australia's trade minister, Dan Tehan, said
Wednesday that there would have to be extensive discussions with China before
he would consider allowing the country to join the bloc.