Taiwan concerned about China blocking TPP

TAIPEI — Taiwan has expressed concern that Beijing might block its effort to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) should China become a member of the trade bloc before Taiwan.

Taiwan formally applied to join the TPP on Sept. 22. China submitted its application on Sept. 16. “If China joins first, it will be a risk to Taiwan,” said John Deng, a Taiwan minister without portfolio, at a Sept. 23’s press conference.

The possibility of Taiwan’s participation will virtually vanish if China joins first, as entry requires approval by all members.

“China has been consistently controlling Taiwan’s space for international activities,” Deng said.

“Taiwan’s participation in the TPP will be the most significant act in terms of economy and trade since our entry to the World Trade Organization,” he said, stressing the historic significance of joining the TPP for Taiwan’s basic strategy to expand its international activities. Regarding an import ban on food products from Fukushima and four nearby prefectures put in place after the 2011 accident at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant run by Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc., Deng said Taiwan will handle the matter through “principles based on scientific evidence and international rules while giving top priority to the health of the public.”

The issue is expected to be a focal point of the TPP negotiations between Taiwan and Japan, which has consistently asked relevant parties to base their decisions on “scientific evidence.”

“We can establish appropriate measures during the course of negotiations,” Deng said, suggesting Taiwan would be flexibile regarding the resumption of imports.

Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen on Sept. 23 tweeted in Japanese, “We are prepared to accept all rules,” calling for Japan’s support for Taiwan’s TPP application.

MOTEGI WELCOMES APPLICATION

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi welcomed Taiwan’s TPP application in an online press conference from New York.

“Japan will respond to the issue based on a strategic perspective and public understanding,” he said. “Taiwan is an extremely important partner which shares fundamental values such as freedom, democracy, basic human rights and rules of law, and we have a close economic relationship.”

As for the decision on the membership, he said, “We need to take a hard look at whether it is ready to fully meet the TPP’s high-level [rules].” (Sept. 25)