Taiwan follows China into WTO

2001-11-11 21:04

Doha - The World Trade Organisation (WTO) approved Taiwan's entry on Sunday, a day after welcoming China into the trade body, in a move that will increase economic integration between the political rivals.

Taiwan is the world's 14th largest trading economy and had negotiated entry for 12 years.

Taiwan's entry marks a step into the unknown as Taipei and Beijing try to define their political relationship after being made equal members of the same club.

China considers Taiwan a renegade province and has threatened to invade if the island declares independence.

To dodge the sensitive political issue, Taiwan will formally enter the WTO as the "separate customs territory" of Taiwan and its offshore islands of Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu.

China sought in vain an assurance from the WTO that the body would never hold a ministerial meeting in Taiwan and that it would place curbs on the island's representation at WTO meetings, officials said.

While China and Taiwan have expressed a wish for broader economic ties after WTO entry, Beijing has ruled out a thaw on the political front unless Taipei acknowledges its sovereignty.

The world's trade ministers approved China's entry on Saturday, ending a 15-year quest. Beijing had insisted that it enter the WTO before Taiwan.

- Reuters