Taiwan seeks involvement in Beijing-led Asian infrastructure bank
Chances of island's participation hinge on sensitive political issues, including its sovereignty and title, and the reaction of its pro-independence camp, analysts say.
Taiwan has expressed a strong interest in joining the Beijing-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
But the chances of its participation hinge on sensitive political issues, including the island’s sovereignty and title, and the reaction of its pro-independence camp, analysts say.
In an interview published by Taipei-based China Times daily on Friday, the island’s leader Ma Ying-jeou said Taiwan should actively take part in the formation of the AIIB, rather than “stay on the sidelines”.
Ma listed three reasons why Taiwan should join the US$50 billion fund, including the prospect that it would facilitate the island’s entry into other multi-member regional trade blocs such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
By joining the AIIB, Taiwan could play the role of peacemaker and provide humanitarian aid, Ma said.
He said he had asked former vice-president Vincent Siew, who is representing Ma at the Boao Forum in Hainan, to discuss the possibility of Taiwanese involvement in the bank with President Xi Jinping.