Taiwan has expressed disappointment after the latest meeting of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) ended without addressing its application for membership.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the CPTPP commission had once again failed to fairly process Taiwan’s bid, suggesting the inaction was due to political pressure. Taiwan applied to join the trade bloc in September 2021 under the name “Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu,” shortly after China submitted its own application. Beijing opposes Taiwan’s participation and claims the island as part of its territory.
The latest CPTPP commission meeting in Melbourne agreed to begin the accession process for Uruguay. Members also identified Uruguay, the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines, and Indonesia as aspirants aligned with the bloc’s Auckland Principles, with plans to consider starting talks with the latter three from 2026. The statement did not mention Taiwan or China.
Taiwan’s foreign ministry said it would continue working to demonstrate that it meets CPTPP’s high standards and to win support from member states. It highlighted Taiwan’s alignment with international trade rules and its existing trade and investment agreements with several CPTPP members, including Singapore, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.