Malaysian congressman accuses Taiwan of joining CPTPP: Taiwan joins for economic and trade complementarity | Central News Agency CNA

Taiwan‘s application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is facing delays. Lawmakers from Malaysia and Singapore argue that Taiwan does not fit the criteria for membership, which is tied to economic integration with Malaysia.

The CPTPP Executive Committee will meet in Vancouver, Canada, where discussions on membership applications from Taiwan and China may be postponed. Politico.eu reported that member states are struggling to reach a consensus on Taiwan’s eligibility due to the ongoing “One China” political issue.

Vina Nadzibulla from the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada stated that Taiwan and Costa Rica are well-prepared for CPTPP membership, having met the required trade standards. However, political obstacles posed by some member states, particularly Malaysia and Singapore, hinder Taiwan’s progress.

Selangor State Assembly Speaker Lau Weng Sun emphasized that CPTPP is primarily a trade agreement and should not be influenced by political factors. He supports the inclusion of any eligible applicant that meets international trade rules.

What are the main political barriers Taiwan faces in its submission for CPTPP membership?

Interview with Vina Nadzibulla: Analyzing Taiwan’s CPTPP Membership Application

News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us today, Vina. As a specialist from the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, can you elaborate on the current state of Taiwan’s application to join the CPTPP?

Vina Nadzibulla: Thank you for having me. Taiwan’s application to join the Extensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is indeed facing challenges. While both Taiwan and Costa Rica are well-prepared and have met the necesary trade standards, political barriers, particularly from members like Malaysia and Singapore, are important hurdles.

News Directory 3: What specific criteria are being debated by member states regarding Taiwan’s eligibility?

Vina Nadzibulla: The primary concern revolves around Taiwan’s economic integration with Malaysia, as some lawmakers argue that this integration isn’t sufficient for membership. They link eligibility not just to trade performance but also to broader political considerations, particularly the “One China” policy, which complicates consensus among members.

News Directory 3: How do you view the upcoming CPTPP Executive Committee meeting in Vancouver in relation to these membership applications?

vina Nadzibulla: The meeting is crucial and timely. Though, it truly seems discussions regarding Taiwan’s and China’s applications could be postponed. Member states are grappling with not only taiwan’s qualifications but also the implications of admitting a member amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.

News Directory 3: Selangor State Assembly Speaker Lau Weng Sun has emphasized that CPTPP should not be influenced by political factors. Do you agree with this outlook?

Vina Nadzibulla: Absolutely,and he raises a valid point. The CPTPP is fundamentally a trade agreement designed to enhance economic collaboration. Political factors should ideally not impede the inclusion of eligible applicants. Unfortunately, as we are witnessing, politics frequently enough plays a disproportionate role in these discussions.

News Directory 3: Professor Hock Im Lim mentioned that there is significant trade potential between Malaysia and Taiwan. Why do you think political opposition persists despite these economic ties?

Vina Nadzibulla: While there is undeniable trade potential, political considerations often overshadow economic opportunities in this context. For Malaysia, which has its own complex relationship with China, the decision to support or oppose taiwan’s application seems to be driven more by strategic alignments than by straightforward economic logic.

News Directory 3: lastly, what do you see as the implications for Taiwan moving forward, especially given the principles outlined by the CPTPP?

Vina Nadzibulla: Taiwan has committed to high standards through what’s known as the Oakland Three Principles, which are designed to ensure that any new member meets strict trade commitments. If Taiwan can navigate these political challenges and maintain its focus on compliance with trade standards, it may still have a pathway to membership. Though, the political landscape will remain a significant barrier until resolved, and advocacy for its inclusion will be crucial in the coming months.

News Directory 3: Thank you, Vina, for sharing your insights on this pressing issue regarding Taiwan’s CPTPP membership.

Economics professor Hock Im Lim from Universiti Utara Malaysia noted that there is significant trade potential between Malaysia and Taiwan. He believes that any opposition to Taiwan’s membership likely involves political considerations rather than purely economic ones.

Lin Fuan, another commentator, remarked that Malaysia and Taiwan have a complementary relationship, particularly in the semiconductor industry. He sees no substantial reason for Malaysia to deny Taiwan’s CPTPP application.

Both Taiwan and China applied for CPTPP membership in September 2021, with Taiwan committed to high standards outlined in what is known as the Oakland Three Principles. These principles require new members to adhere to strict trade commitments and obtain consensus from all CPTPP members.