China News Service, Beijing, September 17 (Reporter Zhang Su) Regarding China’s formal application to join the "Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement" (CPTPP), Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian responded to inquiries at a regular press conference on the 17th Said that in the next step, China will conduct necessary consultations with members in accordance with the relevant procedures of the CPTPP.
On September 16, China’s Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao submitted a written letter from China’s official application to join the CPTPP to New Zealand’s Minister of Trade and Export Growth, O’Connor, the depositary of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership.
When answering questions from reporters at a regular press conference on the 17th, Zhao Lijian said that nearly a year ago, China expressed its willingness to actively consider joining the CPTPP.
In the past year, China has conducted informal contacts with various members in accordance with the relevant regulations of the CPTPP.
On the basis of a comprehensive study and assessment of the terms of the CPTPP agreement, and in accordance with the relevant procedures and steps, China has recently sent a letter from Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao to New Zealand Minister of Trade O'Connor, the depositary of the agreement, formally applying to join the CPTPP.
Zhao Lijian said that China believes that on the basis of the regional comprehensive economic partnership agreement, China's accession to the CPTPP will help promote the process of economic integration in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as promote economic recovery, trade development and investment growth after the global epidemic.
He said that in the next step, China will conduct necessary consultations with members in accordance with the relevant procedures of the CPTPP.
Another reporter asked whether the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia announced the establishment of a new trilateral security partnership. China’s application to join the CPTPP at this time is related to it.
Zhao Lijian clearly pointed out that China's application to join the CPTPP has nothing to do with the relevant agreements of the United States, Britain and Australia.
He emphasized that China is a firm advocate of trade liberalization and facilitation, and an important participant in Asia-Pacific regional cooperation and economic integration.
China's formal application to join the CPTPP once again demonstrates China's firm determination to expand opening up and promote regional economic cooperation.
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