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The US and Taiwan will engage in formal trade talks, the US Trade Representative’s office said.
The talks are linked to the US-Taiwan 21st Century Trade Initiative, which was announced on June 1 and comes amid tense US-China relations.
“Today we begin negotiations with Taiwan under the auspices of [the American Institute in Taiwan] And [the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office] which will deepen our trade and investment relationships, promote mutual business priorities based on shared values, and promote innovation and inclusive economic growth for our workers and businesses, “said Sarah Bianchi, US Deputy Trade Representative.” We plan to pursue an ambitious agenda for achieving high-level commitments and meaningful results spanning the eleven trade areas in the negotiating mandate that will help build a fairer, more prosperous and resilient 21st century economy. ”
Negotiations are expected to take place this fall, USTR said.
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Supporters await the arrival of Taiwan Vice President Lai Ching-te at Hilton Los Angeles on January 25, 2022.
(Robyn Beck / AFP via Getty Images)
The deal comes after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi made a controversial visit to the autonomous island that mainland China considers a territory.
Beijing held military exercises that included launching missiles into the sea to intimidate Taiwan after his visit.
Last week, Kurt Campbell, President Biden’s coordinator for the Indo-Pacific region, said the talks would be part of an effort to “deepen our ties with Taiwan.” But, he said, US One-China policy that Beijing is “China’s only legal government” hasn’t changed.
“We will continue to take calm and resolute steps to maintain peace and stability in the face of Beijing’s ongoing efforts to undermine [Taiwan]and to support Taiwan, “Campell said.
The United States has no official relations with Taiwan, but it also does not recognize Beijing’s sovereignty on the island and is obligated by federal law to make sure it can defend itself.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi poses for a photo with Taiwanese leaders.
(Chien Chih-Hung / Office of the President via Getty Images)
The United States and Taiwan maintain unofficial ties through the American Institute of Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Washington, DC
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The wide-ranging talks will include discussions on “trade facilitation, good regulatory practices, strong anti-corruption standards, strengthening trade between our small and medium-sized enterprises, deepening agricultural trade, removing discriminatory barriers to trade, digital commerce, strong environmental standards. and labor, as well as ways to address the distorting practices of state-owned enterprises and non-market policies and practices, ”USTR said.
Beijing warned that Pelosi’s visit could encourage Taiwan to try to make its independence permanent, which the Communist Party believes would mean war.
The U.S. flag flies at the American Institute of Taiwan, or AIT in Taipei, Taiwan on Wednesday, November 10, 2021. (Photo AP / Chiang Ying-ying, File)
A group of US lawmakers led by Senator Ed Markey, D-Mass., Arrived in Taiwan on Sunday after Pelosi’s meeting with President Tsai Ing-wen. Beijing announced a second round of military exercises after their arrival.
Taiwan, which the US State Department calls a “key partner of the United States,” is the United States ‘ninth trading partner and the United States’ tenth export market, according to the USTR.
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Beijing has not yet commented on the announcement of the trade talks.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
