Premier Mao Chi-kuo said China will decide on April 15 if Taiwan will become a founding member of the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
The AIIB is a Chinese-proposed multilateral fund that will provide financing to infrastructure projects in Asia. So far over 40 countries have signed up to become founding members, including France, Germany, the UK, and Italy.
Taiwan made an application last week, 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.
Taiwan is concerned with what name it will use in AIIB functions. Currently, Taiwan participates in many international organizations, such as APEC, under the name of Chinese Taipei. Premier Mao said that’s the bottom line. The government will not accept “Taiwan, China” or “Taipei, China”. Mao said that Taiwan will defend its national dignity in joining the AIIB.