The United States and Taiwan announced on Thursday (18) that they will begin trade talks in the fall (northern hemisphere, spring in Brazil), at a time when China’s military, diplomatic and economic “challenges” on Taiwan are escalating. Top diplomat from Washington to East Asia.
The Chinese Armed Forces conducted major military air and sea maneuvers in the Taiwan Strait for several days in response to the recent Taipei visit of US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, which angered the Beijing government.
Taiwan lives under the constant threat of a Chinese invasion, which considers the island part of its territory and could be invaded by force if necessary.
And in this context, the US and Taiwan will start trade negotiations as a show of support for the island’s democratic government in the face of Chinese maneuvers, even though Washington has no official relations with Taipei.
The United States Trade Representative’s Office said in a statement that the negotiations will cover areas as diverse as agriculture, digital trade, and reducing or eliminating import tariffs.
According to a statement from the office of US Trade Representative Katherine Tai, in addition to trade and investment development, the talks will focus on responses to “anti-market policies and methods”, which can be interpreted as a reference to China.
The official start of negotiations is an indication that the US is willing to build rapprochement with Taiwan, an important trading partner.
“We welcome the opportunity to deepen economic cooperation between the two freedom-loving countries,” Taiwan’s foreign ministry wrote on Twitter. Said.
Taiwan is crucial for semiconductors
Taiwan is a global manufacturer and supplier of the most advanced semiconductors used in fields ranging from smartphones to computers, from automobiles to missiles.
But Taiwan’s most important trading partner remains China, which has expressed “vigorous opposition” to trade talks between the island and Washington.
“China has always been against any negotiation between any country and the Chinese region of Taiwan,” said Shu Jueting, spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry.
According to 2021 data, a total of 42% of Taiwan’s exports go to China and Hong Kong, with only 15% going to the United States.
Washington recognizes China diplomatically, but maintains de facto relations with Taiwan and defends its right to decide the island’s future.
“Forcing and Intimidation”
The US government accuses China of using Pelosi’s visit as an excuse to intimidate and coerce Taiwan with its military maneuvers.
“Our policy has not changed, what has changed is the increasing pressure from Beijing,” said Daniel Kritenbrink, Washington’s envoy for East Asia.
“These actions are part of an intensified repression campaign to intimidate and suppress Taiwan and undermine its resistance,” Kritenbrink said.
The diplomat said he believes the pressure on the Taiwanese government will continue in the “weeks and months” ahead.
“(China’s) words and actions are extremely destabilizing. They risk causing a miscalculation and threatening stability in the Taiwan Strait,” Kritenbrink said. said.
He added that Washington would respond with “calm but firm steps” to keep the Taiwan Strait open and peaceful.
In Singapore on Wednesday, US Seventh Fleet Vice Admiral Karl Thomas said Chinese maneuvers around Taiwan should get a response.
Taiwan unveiled its most modern fighter aircraft on Wednesday in a rare night show.
source: Noticias
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