Trans Pacific Partnership and the China-Japan-Korea Free Trade Agreement: Implications for Taiwan

Dr. Chen-Dong Tso, executive director of Center for China Studies at the National Taiwan University and former Stimson Visiting Fellow, has released an analysis entitled, "Trans Pacific Partnership and China-Japan-Korea: Implications for Taiwan." In his report, Tso examines the potential impact that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) will have on China, China's views on how to deal with the TPP, and the measures that China is taking to strengthen FTAs with ASEAN nations.  He also examines the recent flurry of pre-negotiation talks regarding the China-Japan-Korea (CJK) FTA, China's reasons for pursuing it, and the priorities and motives of Japan and Korea. More importantly, Tso examines the potential economic impact that the TPP and CJK FTA could have on Taiwan if they were to succeed without the Republic of China's participation. Furthermore, he describes the major impediments to Taiwan's participation in the TPP, including misperceptions in the international community as well as domestic constraint. He argues that it is in both China and Taiwan's interests for the two to join the TPP, as it would promote greater liberalization in economic relations with the mainland and abate protectionist policies as well as anti-Sino sentiment in Taiwan. Ultimately, Tso notes that the TPP offers an ideal opportunity for both sides of the cross-Strait to become economically and politically closer.
http://www.stimson.org/images/uploads/Trans_Pacific_Partnership_and_China_Japan_Korea_FTA.pdf