Premier Mao Chi-kuo says Taiwan will seek to take part with dignity in the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and will not accept any degrading treatment.
The AIIB is a Chinese-proposed multilateral fund with about US$100 billion in capital. So far over 40 countries have signed up to become founding members, including France, Germany, the UK, and Italy.
Taiwan made an application on Tuesday, but many people are concerned that China will deny Taiwan equal status in the organization. China sees Taiwan as part of its territory even though the two sides have been ruled separately for more than 60 years. Beijing opposes Taiwan’s participation in international organizations under designations that gives Taiwan sovereign nation status.
Finance Minister Chang Sheng-ford also came under fire when he said on Wednesday night that the worst case scenario of joining the AIIB is that Taiwan’s initial contribution will become worthless.
On Tuesday the premier said that without dignified treatment and equal rights, Taiwan would rather not participate in the AIIB. He said that if Taiwan receives equal treatment and becomes an AIIB member, its rights will be protected and the initial contribution will not go to waste.