Taiwan and the United States severed formal diplomatic relations in 1979. However, in recent years ties have been warming, and the two sides recently signed the first part of a large trade agreement.
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Representatives from Taiwan and the United States have signed an initial agreement under the larger bilateral trade initiative known as the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade. Taiwan’s representative to the U.S. Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) and managing director of the American Institute in Taiwan's (AIT) Washington office Ingrid Larson signed the agreement on Thursday at AIT’s Washington headquarters.
In a press release from Taiwan’s Presidential Office, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) calls the deal the “most comprehensive trade agreement signed between Taiwan and the US since 1979,” and says the deal will strengthen bilateral relations. She adds that she looks forward to the two sides building stronger partnerships which boost Taiwan’s economic and industrial development. Tsai thanks everyone involved in the process and says she hopes her team continues to enhance Taiwan’s trade capabilities and economic security.
Earlier this week, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian (朱鳳蓮) criticized the move, saying the DPP has betrayed Taiwan.
Despite receiving backlash from China, Taiwan’s government says it will continue to move forward on a comprehensive trade deal with the U.S., working in the best interests for both parties.