Finance Minister Chang Sheng-ford says that Taiwan will apply to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) as early as the beginning of 2016.
During his meeting with President Ma Ying-jeou on Saturday, Chinese leader Xi Jinping openly supported Taiwan’s bid to join the China-led bank in “the appropriate manner”.
When answering questions at the legislature on Wednesday, Finance Minister Chang Sheng-ford said China understands that Taiwan is willing to apply under the name of “Chinese Taipei.” That’s the name that Taiwan uses to participate in many international organizations due to pressure from China.
When asked about the progress of joining the AIIB, Chang said Taiwan would start applying early next year.
“The AIIB will officially commence its operations by the end of this year. It will then process the application of new member states. I estimate that Taiwan will officially apply early next year,” said Chang.
Chang said that China’s support for Taiwan joining the bank will increase its chances. However, Chang did not make any promises, saying only that he was cautiously optimistic.