TAIPEI, Aug 18 (Reuters) – The United States and Taiwan agreed on Wednesday to start trade talks under a new initiative, saying they wanted to reach deals with “economically meaningful results”, in another sign of strengthening American support for the island.
Washington and Taipei unveiled the US-Taiwanese 21st Century Trade Initiative in June, just days after the Biden administration excluded the Chinese-claimed island from its Asia-focused economic plan designed to counter China’s growing influence. Read more
The US Trade Representative’s office said the two sides had “reached consensus on the negotiating mandate” and the first round of talks was expected to take place early this fall.
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“We plan to pursue an ambitious timetable to achieve high-level commitments and meaningful results covering the eleven trade areas of the negotiating mandate that will help build a fairer, more prosperous and more resilient 21st century economy,” said Sarah Bianchi, Deputy Trade Representative of the United States. said in a statement.
The negotiating mandate released with the announcement indicates that the United States and Taiwan have established a strong agenda for talks on issues such as trade facilitation, good regulatory practices and the removal of discriminatory barriers to trade.
He said the start of formal talks would aim to reach agreements with “high-level commitments and economically meaningful results”.
He did not mention the possibility of a broad free trade agreement, which Taiwan insisted on.
Washington, despite lacking formal diplomatic ties, has been keen to bolster its support for Taiwan, especially as it faces increased political pressure from China to accept its sovereignty claims.
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Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Stephen Coates
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