US welcomes Taiwan membership in TPP if island fulfills criteria: diplomat

05/03/2014 12:00 - 458 Views

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- The United States would welcome Taiwan's participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) as long as it meets the high standards set by TPP members, Taipei's diplomat to Washington was cited as saying yesterday.

Leo Lee, Taipei's deputy representative to Washington, was speaking in the wake of a recent report that cited unnamed U.S. officials as claiming that Taiwan could join TPP as early as 2015.

But senior White House officials have noted that whether or not Taiwan could become a part of TPP needs the approval of all 12 existing members, Lee was cited by the Central News Agency as saying at a press conference in Washington.

Lee noted that at present, Taipei and Washington are making preparations for upcoming talks over the signing of a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) between them.

Asked if Taiwan hopes the talks can take place in the first half of 2014, Lee responded only by saying that both sides hope to hold talks as soon as possible. The talks are expected to take place in Washington.

Source: chinapost