US and Taiwan agree to trade talks amid growing military and economic ‘coercion’ from China

USA D Taiwan announced on Thursday that they will open trade talks next fall in the context of growing military, diplomatic and economic “coercion” China on the Taiwanas condemned by Washington’s top diplomat for East Asia.

The Chinese military has been holding its largest air and sea military exercise in the Taiwan Strait for several days in response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s recent visit to Taipei, which angered the Beijing government.

Taiwan she lives under the constant threat of Chinese invasion, which considers the island part of its territory and can, if necessary, occupy it by force.

It is in this context that the United States and Taiwan are about to begin trade talks, demonstrating support for a democratically ruled island in the face of Chinese maneuvers, despite Washington having no formal relationship with Taipei.

These talks will cover multiple areas, including agriculture, digital commerce and lowering or removing tariff barriers, the Office of the US Trade Representative said in a statement. USA.

In addition to developing trade and investment, the talks will address the issue of responding to “anti-market policies and practices,” the office of US Trade Representative Katherine Tai said in what could be interpreted as a reference to China.

The official start of these new discussions is a sign of the United States’ willingness to move closer to Taiwanis itself an important trading partner.

“We welcome this opportunity to deepen economic cooperation between our two freedom-loving countries (…),” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. Taiwan.

Taiwan, the key to semiconductors

Taiwan is a global manufacturer and supplier of the most advanced semiconductors used in many areas, from mobile phones to computers, from cars to rockets.

But Taiwan’s most important trading partner is still Chinawhich reacted this Thursday by “strongly opposing” these trade talks between the island and Washington.

“China has always opposed any exchange between any country and the Taiwan region of China,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Shu Jueting said.

According to 2021 data, about 42% of Taiwanese exports go to China and Hong Kong, and only 15% go to the US.
Washington diplomatically recognizes China but maintains de facto relations with Taiwan and defends the island’s right to determine its future.

“Coercion and Intimidation”

Now the United States is accusing China of using Pelosi’s visit as an excuse to intimidate and coerce Taiwan with its military maneuvers.
“While our policy has not changed, what has changed is increased enforcement by Beijing,” Daniel Kritenbrink, Washington’s representative for East Asia, told reporters during a conference call.

“These actions are part of an intensified pressure campaign … to intimidate and pressure Taiwan and undermine its resistance,” Kritenbrink added.
The diplomat said he believed the pressure on the Taiwanese government would continue in the coming “weeks and months.”

“The words and actions (of China) are deeply destabilizing. They can lead to miscalculations and threaten stability in the Taiwan Strait,” Kritenbrink added.

He stated that Washington would respond with “calm but decisive steps” to preserve the strait. Taiwan open and peaceful.

On Wednesday in Singapore, Vice Admiral of the 7th Fleet USACarl Thomas said that Chinese maneuvers around Taiwan must be answered.

Anyway, Taiwan unveiled its most advanced fighter jet in a rare nightly demonstration on Wednesday.

(AFP)