I noted earlier this week how China has officially sought to join the 11 member Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which came into effect in late 2019. However, Australia has indicated that it will block China’s admission on the grounds that it has contravened existing agreements with trade strikes against Australian exports.
In what is likely to inflame China even further, the Australian Government is working “behind the scenes” with Japan and Canada to have Taiwan admitted to the CPTPP:
“Australia will work with the CPTPP membership to consider Taiwan’s application on a consensus basis, in accordance with the CPTPP Accession Guidelines,” [Trade Minister Dan Tehan] told The Australian in a statement…
