TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan is strengthening cooperation with countries less favorable to its membership bid, including Chile and Malaysia, as part of efforts to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), reports said Tuesday.

Taiwan applied to join the trade bloc in September 2021, days after China, raising concerns Beijing might obstruct the process. Since its founding, the United Kingdom has been the only new member admitted.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Tuesday it is pursuing high-level contacts and overseas visits this year as its top strategy to promote Taiwan’s accession, per CNA. A second approach involves encouraging major Taiwanese companies to partner with firms in CPTPP member states seen as less supportive of Taiwan.

Lien Yu-ping (連玉蘋), head of MOFA’s Department of International Cooperation and Economic Affairs, cited Chile and Malaysia as examples. She added that branches of the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce abroad would lobby host governments in favor of Taiwan’s bid.

Lien said Taiwan has fulfilled all conditions for membership, backed by its strong trade record. She also dismissed concerns that Australia, which currently chairs the CPTPP, would hinder the bid. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese denied suggesting the pact is limited to recognized countries rather than economic entities, she added.