US and Taiwan trade talks, China angry

The United States and Taiwan are expected to discuss trade between the two countries this fall. The countries announced that in addition to the talks, which should produce “economically meaningful results”, “economic pressure” from China toward Taiwan is also on the agenda. China reacted angrily to the announcement because it considers Taiwan a breakaway province.

It was already announced in June that the United States and Taiwan would start talks. At that time, the scope and topics to be discussed still had to be agreed upon. Taiwanese trade envoy John Deng said he hoped the talks would be a prelude to a free trade agreement with the United States. This has always been Taiwan’s wish.

“Economic pressure” from China came on the agenda along with issues such as commodity regulation and quality requirements. This refers not only to a possible blockade of Taiwan by China, but also to the pressure that China is putting on countries that have relations with Taiwan. For example, Lithuania had to deal with all kinds of Chinese opposition when the Taiwanese embassy in Velios was actually allowed to be called an embassy. In other countries, a different name is usually used due to the difficult situation of the island state.

Taiwan has been de facto independent since 1949, but Beijing claims the island is part of China. Therefore, the Asian country does not want other countries to conclude trade agreements with Taiwan itself, and the Chinese Foreign Ministry called on the United States to stop the consolidation of relations with Taiwan. “China will take resolute measures to protect its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. We advise the United States not to make wrong estimates,” a ministry spokesman said.