China welcomes Singapore's request to join CPTPP trading agreement

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China welcomes Singapore's request to join CPTPP trading agreement

Beijing SINGAPORE - - The Chinese Foreign Ministry welcomed Singapore's request to join the CPTPP trading agreement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Friday.

A Chinese prime minister Xi Jinping told Singaporean President Lee Hsien Loong in a call that day that Singapore welcomes and supports China's application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, which will benefit the prosperity and development of the region, a Singaporean statement said.

A release from the Singaporean Foreign Ministry didn't mention any discussions regarding CPTPP.

Xi also said that China will promote the effective entry into force of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement as scheduled by China.

Since China and Taiwan both applied to join the CPTPP in September, Xi has been working to win the pact's Southeast Asian and South American members. The Chinese Foreign Ministry also said that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said his country firmly supports China joining the CPTPP on a call earlier in the week with Chilean Foreign Minister Andres Allamand.

However, some countries like Australia and Canada, at odds with Beijing on security issues, are believed to have reservations about Beijing joining the framework.

Admitting a new member requires unanimous agreement.