TAIPEI (TVBS News) — In a development stirring anticipation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA, 外交部) revealed on Tuesday that Taiwan's bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP, 跨太平洋夥伴全面進步協定) remains active, despite the executive committee not yet forming a working group for its membership application. The ministry assured that Taiwan's aspirations have not been "put aside," fueling hopes for future progress.
The ministry emphasized that the CPTPP executive committee's joint statement indicates that member countries remain open to applications meeting the criteria. The statement noted that forming a working group does not follow the order of application, asserting that " the first to run doesn't necessarily indicate the first to win." Lien Yu-ping (連玉蘋), head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' (MOFA) Department of International Cooperation and Economic Affairs, highlighted Taiwan's efforts to strengthen trade and economic ties with Canada, this year's CPTPP rotating chair.
Lien noted Taiwan's initiatives with more conservative countries, including semiconductor cooperation with Malaysia, supply chain collaboration with Mexico, and hydrogen energy cooperation with Chile, to foster a supportive environment. She also pointed out that CPTPP member countries underscored the "Auckland principles" during the APEC trade ministers' meeting in May and established an informal platform to facilitate information exchange among members.
Lien added that Taiwan's efforts in forming a working group for Costa Rica's application, which had lacked these principles in the past, reflect Taiwan's efforts. She expressed optimism that if Taiwan establishes a working group, its high standards may expedite bilateral negotiations with member countries, potentially accelerating its membership. Despite challenges from China during international activities, Taiwan remains resolute in its pursuit of membership.