Washington announced this Thursday that it concluded negotiations with Taiwan with a view to signing a trade agreement, less than a year after launching this initiative that was strongly criticized by China.
“This achievement represents an important milestone in the strengthening of economic relations between the United States and Taiwan,” US Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai said in a statement.
Tai noted that the two partners will seek “a strong, high-level trade agreement that addresses the pressing economic challenges of the 21st century.”
The United States and Taiwan launched bilateral talks in June 2022, which were criticized by Beijing.
China considers the island one of its provinces and refuses to establish official relations with other countries.
The situation around Taiwan is tense after the military maneuvers in Beijing last year and in 2023 around the island.
This agreement with the United States, which should be signed in the coming weeks, “will deepen the trade association and improve trade flows” between the two parties “to promote innovation and inclusive economic growth for workers and businesses,” the USTR added.
Taipei joined the World Trade Organization in 2002.
The United States is Taiwan’s largest trading partner and largest arms supplier.