Taiwan has sparked controversy by applying to join an 11-nation Pacific trade group, setting up a potential clash with rival Beijing over the status of the self-governing island democracy.
Taiwan’s application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership might be disrupted if China, which applied last week, is admitted first, said John Deng, a minister without portfolio.
China claims that Taiwan is part of the Communist mainland nation. Taiwan, while stopping short of declaring independence, is self-governing, though only recognized as independent by the United States and few other nations.
Granting membership to Taiwan would likely give it a legitimacy as a self-governing nation, which China is likely to oppose.
The CPTPP, which took effect in 2018, includes agreements on market access, movement of labor and government procurement.
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