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WASHINGTON, June 2 (AP) — The United States on Thursday signed a trade agreement with Taiwan over objections from China, which claims the self-governing democratic island as part of its territory.
The two governments said the U.S.-Taiwan 21st Century Trade Initiative would strengthen commercial ties by improving customs, investment and other regulations.
The measure was signed by employees of the unofficial entity that maintains U.S. ties with high-tech industrial hub Taiwan. They have no formal diplomatic ties, but maintain an informal one, with trade worth billions of dollars a year.
The USTR said in a statement that the agreement was aimed at “strengthening and deepening economic and trade ties.” Deputy US Trade Representative Sarah Bianchi attended the signing ceremony.
The Chinese government accused Washington of violating an agreement on Taiwan’s status and demanded that the U.S. government stop official contacts with Taiwan’s elected government.
Taiwan and China split in 1949 after a civil war. The island has never been part of the People’s Republic of China, but the mainland’s ruling Communist Party says it has an obligation to unify with China, by force if necessary.
The government of Chinese leader Xi Jinping has stepped up efforts to intimidate Taiwan by flying fighter jets and bombers near the island. US and European politicians visit Taiwan to show support for its democratically elected government.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said that “the United States should stop any form of official exchanges with Taiwan” and “not send wrong signals to Taiwan independence separatist forces”. (Associated Press)
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from a Syndicated News feed, the content body may not have been modified or edited by LatestLY staff)
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