Taiwan and Singapore will discuss signing a free trade pact (FTA) despite lack of diplomatic ties, the Taiwan government said Thursday, dpa reported.
"Taiwan and Singapore have close and friendly ties. The two sides have decided to explore the feasibility of signing an economic cooperation agreement under the framework of the World Trade Organization," Taiwan and Singapore said in a joint statement.
Taiwan media said that if Singapore signs the trade pact with Taiwan, it will be a breakthrough for Taipei because so far, countries that do not recognize Taiwan have refused to sign FTA with Taipei for fear of offending China.