In Beijing’s Fight With Taipei, 11 Pacific Trade Pact Countries Will Decide the Winner

Foreign Affairs Ministers from member states wave as they pose for the official picture before signing the rebranded 11-nation Pacific trade pact, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), in Santiago, Chile, on March 8, 2018. CLAUDIO REYES/AFP via Getty Images

The two authorities across the Taiwan Straits applied to join a trans-Pacific trade agreement. The Beijing side tried to obstruct Taiwan’s application, while Taipei defended its right to be included in the regional pact.

On Sept. 22, the Chinese regime sent 24 warplanes to Taiwan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), which was understood as a threat to apply pressure against Taiwan’s inclusion. The Taiwan government reiterated its willingness to join despite Bejing’s threats and said it wouldn’t give in.