CPTPP Meeting Bypasses Taiwan and China Bids To Join

The CPTPP trade bloc has sidestepped both Taiwan and China's applications to join, inviting Costa Rica to become its next member instead.

Transcript

00:00Taiwan's trade negotiator says it's disappointed with a lack of progress on its bid to join

00:06a major regional trade bloc.

00:08That's after the bloc's commission bypassed both Taiwan and China's applications at this

00:13year's meeting.

00:14Instead, the CPTPP invited Costa Rica to become its next member.

00:19Both Taiwan and China have sought to join the group since 2021.

00:24Taiwan has urged existing members not to let politics play a role in who they invite to

00:28join.

00:29The seven current members also belong to a separate Asia-Pacific bloc where China plays

00:34a major role.

00:35But Canada's trade minister says the CPTPP still has an open attitude to newcomers.