USA seeks trade agreement with Taiwan

The USA has announced talks on a trade agreement with Taiwan. Negotiations on a framework agreement would begin soon, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at a congressional hearing in Washington on Monday. US Trade Representative Katherine Tai will explain details of the possible negotiations in the future, Blinken said. Washington does not maintain diplomatic relations with Taipei. Still, the US is Taiwan’s most important international ally. The US also supports the country with arms exports. Taiwan must be able to defend itself, Blinken stressed. He expressed concern about China’s „increasing aggressiveness“ towards Taipei.