Japan's admiration for Taiwan's democratic and rule-of-law values contrasted with the country's cautious response to China's bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

At a news conference, Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said, "We consider Taiwan to be a very important partner with whom we share fundamental values such as freedom, democracy, basic human rights, and the rule of law." This year, Japan is the pact's chairman.

Taiwan applied on Wednesday, infuriating China, which regards the island as one of its provinces with no claim to statehood.

While Japan stated that Taiwan's application would be scrutinized against the trade pact's stringent requirements, the positive response contrasted with a cautious response to China's application last week.

Taro Aso, Japan's Deputy Prime Minister, expressed doubts about China's chances, citing stringent laws governing state-owned firms.

Katsunobu Kato, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary, dodged a reporter's query about the various reactions to the applications on Friday, declining to detail Japan's position on China but alluding to ideals shared with Taiwan.

According to the central government spokesperson, Taiwan may join the trade treaty under its rules, stressing that it was already an autonomous member of the World Trade Organization and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

The initial 12-nation trade pact, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), was viewed as a critical economic counterweight to China's expanding might.

However, the TPP was put into jeopardy in 2017 when then-US President Donald Trump withdrew the US from the agreement.

The United Kingdom has also applied to join the 11-member CPTPP, with Nishimura stating that the first meeting to discuss its application will be held on Sept. 28.