During a meeting with a delegation of Australian lawmakers, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen called on Australia to back Taiwan's bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Both Taiwan and China applied to join the CPTPP in 2021, but China opposes Taiwan's inclusion, citing Taiwan as its own territory.
The CPTPP, established in 2018, comprises 11 countries: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam. Britain joined as a member earlier this year.
President Tsai highlighted that Australia is Taiwan's largest energy supplier and a significant source of agricultural products. She expressed hope that the Australian government and parliament would support Taiwan's accession to the CPTPP to promote economic growth and sustainable development in the Indo-Pacific region.
Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell noted that all member countries must agree to a new country's accession, and discussions were underway within CPTPP regarding new applications. Australia, like most nations, does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
President Tsai acknowledged Australia's role in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and stressed the importance of peace in the Taiwan Strait. She expressed gratitude for Australia's commitment and highlighted the common goal of both Taiwan and Australia in safeguarding a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
