Japan’s Jiji Press reported that during the recent APEC Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China organized an event related to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) without prior approval from the organization, prompting dissatisfaction among several member countries.
The event, held on May 22 under the framework of a dialogue linked to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), included participants from Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN countries. However, some CPTPP members reportedly criticized China for organizing the event without following CPTPP procedures, arguing that it violated the pact’s consensus-based operating principles. Several member countries chose not to attend as a sign of protest.
The CPTPP currently has 12 members, including Canada, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, in addition to several Asian countries. China is not a member. Beijing applied to join the CPTPP in 2021 but has not yet entered formal accession negotiations. Observers cited in the report suggested the incident could negatively affect China’s efforts to join the trade pact.
Source: NTDTV, May 23, 2026
https://www.ntdtv.com/gb/2026/05/23/a104099303.html