According to the US government, the United States and Taiwan want to start trade talks as part of a new initiative. The US Department of Commerce announced on Wednesday evening (local time) that the first round of negotiations should take place in the fall. The aim is “economically significant results” and the “achievement of commitments at a high level”.
The aim is to deepen trade and investment ties, promote mutual trade priorities based on shared values, and promote innovation and inclusive economic growth, it said. Washington and Taipei unveiled the US-Taiwan 21st Century Trade Initiative back in June.
In response to US top politician Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, Beijing launched large-scale maneuvers around the island. A few days ago, another delegation from the US Congress traveled to Taiwan. Beijing spoke of a new “provocation” by the USA and announced further maneuvers.
The Chinese leadership rejects official contacts from other countries to Taiwan because they see the island as part of the People’s Republic. On the other hand, Taiwan has long seen itself as independent.
Following the announcement of US-Taiwan trade talks, China has expressed opposition to an official trade deal. Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said in Beijing on Thursday: “The one-China principle is the prerequisite for China’s Taiwan region to participate in economic cooperation.”
