The United States and Taiwan sign a trade deal aimed at deepening economic relations between both sides in a move that has sparked a warning from Beijing.
The first agreement under the latest initiative was signed by representatives of the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States, said the US Trade Representative's press office on Thursday.
The pact is "intended to strengthen and deepen the economic and trade relationship" between both sides, USTR spokesperson Sam Michel added in a statement."We thank our Taiwan partners for helping us reach this important milestone and look forward to upcoming negotiations on additional trade areas set forth in the initiative's negotiating mandate," Mr Michel said.
But Beijing detests any hint of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and other governments because it considers the self-ruled island its own territory. "The deal that will be signed tonight is not only very historic but also signals a new beginning," cabinet spokesman Alan Lin told reporters in Taipei, ahead of Thursday's ceremony in the United States.
"Relevant tasks are yet to be completed…. Taiwan will continue to move towards a comprehensive FTA with the United States to ensure Taiwan's economic security."
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