US, Taiwan step up economic cooperation in new dialogue

Associated Press News 11.12.2020 1 min read
US, Taiwan step up economic cooperation in new dialogue
US, Taiwan step up economic cooperation in new dialogue
FILE - In this file photo released by Taiwan's Military News Agency, Taiwan war planes are parked on a highway during an exercise to simulate a response to a Chinese attack on its airfields in Changhua in southern Taiwan. Taiwan said Tuesday, Oct 27, 2020, that recent proposed of U.S. sales of missiles and other arms systems will boost the island's ability to credibly defend itself, amid rising threats from China. (Military News Agency via AP, File)

US, Taiwan step up economic cooperation in new dialogue

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — The U.S. and Taiwan are stepping up cooperation in a newly created economic dialogue, in another move from the outgoing Trump administration to increase official exchanges with the self-ruled island.

The two sides signed a five-year agreement establishing the U.S.-Taiwan Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue, which is meant to be held annually. The deal falls short of a long-desired bilateral trade agreement, but is a significant step that increases ties between Washington and Taipei.

China, which views Taiwan as its own territory to be reunited by force if necessary, has criticized such steps as provocation.

“The U.S.-Taiwan economic dialogue signifies that not only is the United States-Taiwan economic relationship strong, but it continues to deepen and grow,” said Brent Christensen, director of the American Institute in Taipei, the de-facto embassy.

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