Japan welcomes Taiwan's application to join TPP: minister

Japan welcomes Taiwan's application to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade deal, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi told reporters Thursday from New York.Describing Taiwan as an "extremely important partner of Japan" that shares basic values such as the rule of law, Motegi said Tokyo will respond to the island's bid to join the 11-member TPP "based on a strategic point of view and with the public's understanding."Taiwan's move Wednesday follows a similar bid made last week by mainland China for membership of the trade pact, which involves such countries as Japan, Australia and Sin…READ FULL ARTICLE