TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) said Singapore and Malaysia did not oppose Taiwan joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) during the trade bloc’s meeting in late November.

Speaking at the legislature’s foreign affairs committee on Monday, Lin clarified reports about the meeting, saying information received afterward showed the two Southeast Asian nations supported creating a working group to support China joining the CPTPP but did not oppose Taiwan’s bid.

“Of course, some of the other countries support us and oppose China,” Lin said.

He also suggested that some countries would not oppose Taiwan joining the 11-member trade block as their standards are not as high as Taiwan's. CPTPP members say “high standards” are needed to join the group. 

Lin noted that the CPTPP had opened a “small door” for Taiwan to conduct preliminary discussions with its members. While Taiwan did not achieve its desired outcome at the meeting, it will continue efforts to join the group, he said.

The foreign ministry on Dec. 3 highlighted Canada’s suggestion during a May meeting to establish an “informal standing forum” for members to discuss applications. It also noted that Taiwan has held “pre-consultations” with about half of the CPTPP’s members who said Taiwan is qualified to join.

China applied to join the CPTPP one week before Taiwan in 2021 and has expressed opposition to Taiwan’s membership bid. Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia have supported China’s application.

The CPTPP’s current members include Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, and Peru. Last year, the bloc approved the UK's application, and a working group for Costa Rica’s application will be formed following its November meeting.