President Tsai Ing-wen said on Thursday that Taiwan is sure it can conclude a “high standard” trade agreement with the United States under a new framework.
In June, just days after the Biden administration left the Chinese-claimed island out of its Asia-focused economic strategy intended to challenge China’s expanding influence, Washington and Taipei presented the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade.
Tsai stated that Taiwan would cooperate with the United States to develop even tighter trade and economic ties during a meeting with the bipartisan U.S. legislative delegation in the presidential office.
“We have already stated that the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade discussions will shortly get underway. We are convinced that this initiative will allow us to conclude a high-standard trade agreement and accelerate the development of bilateral commerce“, She spoke.
Even in the absence of formal diplomatic ties, Taiwan has long advocated for a comprehensive free trade agreement with the United States, its most significant overseas ally and foreign arms supplier.
Deepening economic ties with Taiwan, in particular by pressing for a high-caliber free trade deal between the U.S. and Taiwan, is one of the most crucial things Congress can do right now, according to her.
The delegation is the most recent in a line of high-ranking Americans who have visited Taiwan since Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the US House, arrived there early last month. Beijing was enraged by her visit, and as a result, war simulations were conducted close to the island.
The U.S. senators’ “scuttling” visits, according to China’s foreign ministry, violate the “one-China principle” and the U.S. commitment to solely maintain non-official contacts with Taiwan.
According to ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning, “China fiercely opposes and is very upset with this” visit, she told reporters in Beijing.
Tsai commended the delegation for communicating resounding congressional support for Taiwan at a time when China has been conducting military drills, which have slowed down but are still ongoing.
Taiwan “won’t back down,” declared Tsai. To jointly maintain peace and stability in the region, “We will vigorously increase our collaboration with democratic partners.”
Featured Image: Wikimedia Commons
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