The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) commission is set to discuss Taiwan's submission to join the agreement this week, Taipei-based Liberty Times reported on Monday.
Though Taiwan has shown a willingness to adapt to CPTPP regulations on labor rights, intellectual property, financial services and the environment, the biggest obstacle to the country's admission is stiff opposition from mainland China, also a potential member of the agreement.
As Taipei appeals for support from the governments of Japan and Australia, Beijing is set on exerting pressure on each CPTPP party in order to block Taiwan's entry, who China with ever greater assertiveness continues to regard as its own territory, the Liberty Times relayed.
