The Taiwanese authorities emphasized the significance of "a long-term economic development strategy" at a press conference on the 23rd after applying for membership in the TPP = Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement in which 11 countries including Japan participate. On the other hand, he also acknowledged that if China joins first, it will be a risk.
On the 22nd, Taiwan applied for membership in the TPP = Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement in which 11 countries including Japan participate, and in response to this, Minister Without Portfolio Tohwa, who is in charge of trade negotiations in Taiwan, said on the morning of the 23rd. , I had a press conference.
Among them, Minister Without Portfolio Tow said that TPP member countries account for 24% of Taiwan's trade value. "It is for Taiwan's interests to join, and it is a long-term economic development strategy." Emphasized the significance.
China just applied for membership over the TPP last week, and China's opposition to Taiwan's membership is expected to adhere to the "one-China" principle.
Regarding this, Minister Without Portfolio Tow said, "Taiwan's application has nothing to do with China," but acknowledged that "if China joins first, it would be a considerable risk for Taiwan."
He added, "The TPP requires a degree of openness and willingness to comply with the rules of the agreement. We are completely market-based, based on democracy and the rule of law, and respect for private property. I think you all know what the situation is in China, "he said.
Joining the TPP requires the consent of all the countries that have signed the agreement, and if China and Taiwan restrain each other, participating countries, including Japan, may be forced to take difficult measures. is.
Reason for application at this time "Japan is the presidency of the TPP"
When asked why he applied for TPP at a press conference at this time, Minister Without Portfolio Tow said, "This is Japan's presidency for the TPP. Taiwan and Japan are cooperating and helping each other in many areas. He expressed his hope for Japan's support for the realization of Taiwan's participation.
Import restrictions on Japanese food "properly dispose"
On the other hand, Taiwan has continued to regulate the import of some Japanese food products after the accident at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, and the Japanese side said, "It is an international measure that is not based on scientific evidence. It violates the traditional trade rules. "
Regarding the possibility that this issue would hinder Taiwan's participation in the TPP, Minister Without Portfolio Tow said, "I know that Japan has a considerable interest in this issue. Japan will raise this issue at the stage of future accession negotiations. If we take it up, we naturally need to face it. We will handle it appropriately based on the three principles of the health of Taiwanese residents, scientific grounds and international rules. "
In Taiwan, "food safety" may become a political dispute, and the media may use the expression "nuclear food" to mean food contaminated with nuclear material, which may arouse public anxiety. Understands Japan's position but has not yet taken steps to abolish import restrictions.
At a press conference on the 23rd, Minister Without Portfolio Tow said, "I would like to take this opportunity to tell you that Fukushima's foods are never nuclear-contaminated foods, that is, they are never'nuclear foods'." Said.