Beijing 'Resolutely' Opposes US-Taiwan Trade Talks, Will Take Measures to 'Safeguard Sovereignty'

On Wednesday, the Office of the US Trade Representative announced that Washington and Taipei had agreed on holding bilateral trade talks this autumn in a bid to deepen economic relations.

The Chinese Ministry of Trade said on Thursday that Beijing is "resolutely opposed" to trade talks between Washington and Taipei, which are due to be held under the auspices of the US-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade.

The ministry's spokesperson Shu Jueting told reporters that the one-China principle is the prerequisite for Taiwan to participate in overseas economic cooperation. Shu added that Beijing calls on Washington to “properly handle trade relations” with Taipei and “respect China's core interests”.

The spokesperson pledged China would do its best “to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests.”

The remarks came after the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) stated that Washington and Taipei have “reached a consensus on the negotiating mandate” for bilateral trade initiative to bolster economic ties.

The USTR said that the first round of talks pertaining to the US-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade is expected to take place early this fall. T

The negotiations “will deepen our trade and investment relationship, advance mutual trade priorities based on shared values, and promote innovation and inclusive economic growth for our workers and businesses,” the USTR underscored.

The remarks come amid growing tensions between the US and China over Taiwan, which exacerbated earlier this month, when House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island as part of her Asian tour. Beijing, which perceives Taiwan as an essential part of the mainland China, slammed the visit as provocative and launched large-scale military drills near the island in a retaliation move.