TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) revealed on Monday (Dec. 9) that Singapore and Malaysia have not opposed Taiwan's bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). However, Lin noted that some countries' strong opposition to China has inadvertently affected Taiwan's membership process.
Speaking at the Legislative Yuan's Foreign and National Defense Committee, Lin explained that while Singapore supports both China and Taiwan, the intensity of support may differ. Also, Malaysia backs the formation of a working group for China but has not opposed Taiwan's entry, according to the MOFA head. He emphasized that the CPTPP has allowed Taiwan to engage in preliminary consultations with member nations, suggesting room for progress if political issues mature and communication with other member countries is sincere.
Highlighting recent developments, Lin pointed out that Costa Rica received approval to form a working group, indicating that the CPTPP does not review applications in order. Although Taiwan did not score points this year, Lin assured that efforts will continue. He also addressed the limited support from nine allies during the U.N. General Assembly, attributing it to Haiti's interim government and the Vatican's tradition of not speaking at the assembly.
Lin admitted that China's strong allies could disadvantage Taiwan in international organizations. Hence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA, 外交部) remains in the advocacy stage, aiming for significant progress over the next year. The Foreign Committee has frozen NT$2 million, requiring a written report from MOFA for approval before funds can be used.
