China threatens action as US plans trade talks with Taiwan

The US government has engaged in trade negotiations withTaiwanas a sign of support for island democracy, whichChinaclaims as its territory. , warned Beijing on Thursday it would take action if necessary to "defend its sovereignty."

Trade talks announcement comes after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi became the highest-ranking US government official to visit Taiwan this month. It was done after launching missiles and threatening Taiwan. in 25 years.

The government of Chinese President Xi Jinping has criticized the upcoming talks for violating the government's stance that Taiwan has no right to foreign relations. He warned Washington not to encourage the islands to try to perpetuate their de facto independence. Beijing says the measure will lead to war.

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"China is firmly against this," said Shu Jueting, spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce. He called on Washington to "fully respect China's core interests."

Also on Thursday, Taiwan's military conducted a drill with missiles and artillery simulating a response to a Chinese missile attack.

Taiwan and China split in 1949 after a civil war and have no official relationship, but are linked by billions of dollars in trade and investment. Although the island was never part of the People's Republic of China, the ruling Communist Party has said it is obligated to unite with the mainland by force if necessary.

Kurt Campbell, President Joe Biden's Indo-Pacific regional coordinator, said last week that trade talks would "deepen ties with Taiwan," but stressed that policy would not change. The United States does not have diplomatic ties with its ninth largest trading partner, Taiwan, but maintains extensive informal ties.

The US Trade Representative's announcement of the meeting did not mention tensions with Beijing, but "a formal “Negotiations” will develop the relationship between trade and regulation, he said. A step that requires a closer formal interaction.

By allowing more exports to the United States, Taiwan could undermine China's efforts to use Taiwan's status as its largest trading partner for political leverage. Maybe. Mainland China blocked imports of Taiwanese citrus and other foods in retaliation for Pelosi's Aug. 2 visit.

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Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the trade talks, which it said were "greatly welcomed," would bring "a new page" to its relationship with the United States.

"Due to the recent escalation of the situation in the Taiwan Strait, the United States government will continue to take concrete actions to maintain security and stability across the Taiwan Strait," the statement said.

US-China relations are at their lowest level in decades amid disputes over trade, security, technology and Beijing's treatment of the Muslim minority and Hong Kong.

The Office of the US Trade Representative said the negotiations would be under the auspices of the American Institute of Taiwan, an unofficial embassy in Washington.

"China always opposes any form of official exchange between any country and the Taiwan region of China," said China spokesman Mr. Shu. "China will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its sovereignty," he said.

Washington said it would take no position on the status of China and Taiwan, but hoped the dispute between them would be resolved peacefully. ing. The U.S. government is obligated by federal law to ensure that islands have means of self-defense.

Mr Campbell said in a conference call last Friday that "Beijing has taken steps to maintain peace and stability in the face of continued efforts to undermine and support Taiwan". We will continue to take calm and decisive action."

China exports more than twice as much as her to the United States, Taiwan's second largest overseas market. The Taiwanese government says Taiwanese companies have invested about $200 billion in the mainland. According to Beijing, the 2020 census found that about 158,000 Taiwanese entrepreneurs, professionals and others live on the mainland.

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China's Ban on Imports of Citrus, Fish and Hundreds of Other Taiwanese Foods Supports President These goods make up less than 0.5% of Taiwan's mainland exports.

Beijing has done nothing to affect the flow of his chips from Taiwan, the processors needed by the Chinese factories that assemble the world's smartphones and consumer electronics. The island is the world's largest supplier of chips.

A second group of US lawmakers, led by Massachusetts Democrat Senator Ed Markey, arrived in Taiwan on Sunday to meet with Tsai. Beijing has announced a second round of military exercises after their arrival.

Taiwan, with a population of 23.6 million, has launched its own military exercises in response.

Thursday, East A simulated response to a Chinese missile attack training at Hualien Air Force Base on the coast. A military official practiced using a Taiwan-made Skybow 3 anti-aircraft missile and his 35 mm anti-aircraft gun, but did not fire it.

"We didn't panic" when China started military exercises, says Air Force Major Chen Dehuan said.

"Our normal training is for him to wait 24 hours for a missile launch," Chen said. ``We were ready.''

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The Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) said agriculture, labor, the environment, digital technology, state-owned enterprise status and "non-market policies" would also be discussed. .

Washington and Beijing have been embroiled in a three-year tariff war over many of the same issues.

These include China's support for state-owned enterprises that control many industries, and the Chinese government stealing foreign technology and gaining access to various sectors in violation of its promises to open its markets. It contains complaints about restrictions.

Then-President Donald Trump increased tariffs on Chinese goods in 2019. This was in response to complaints that China's technology development tactics violated China's free trade commitments and threatened U.S. industrial leadership. Biden has left most of the tariff hikes alone.

MacDonald reported from Beijing.

© 2022 The Canadian Press