• The first round of talks is expected to begin in “early fall”.
• They will discuss trade facilitation, digital trade, and anti-corruption standards.
• Relations between the U.S. and China have become increasingly tense over the past year.

The United States has announced that formal trade negotiations with Taiwan will begin soon, following a contentious visit by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

The first round of talks is expected to begin in “early fall,” according to the US Trade Representative’s Office.

They will discuss trade facilitation, digital trade, and anti-corruption standards.

Following Ms. Pelosi’s visit, relations between the United States and China have become increasingly tense.

The US-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade was first announced in June, and both parties now claim to have “reached consensus on the negotiating mandate.”

“We plan to pursue an ambitious schedule…. that will help build a fairer, more prosperous and resilient 21st-century economy,” said Deputy United States Trade Representative Sarah Bianchi in a statement.

In 2020, trade between the United States and Taiwan was worth nearly $106 billion (£88 billion).

Following Ms. Pelosi’s visit earlier this month, China launched its largest-ever military exercises around Taiwan.

The US recognizes and has formal ties with China rather than the island of Taiwan under the “One China policy,” but maintains a “robust unofficial” relationship with Taiwan, including continued arms sales to the island so that it can defend itself.

Beijing regards the self-governing island as a renegade territory that must be integrated into the mainland.

Taiwan, on the other hand, is a self-governing island that sees itself as distinct from the mainland.

Separately, top US diplomat for East Asia Daniel Kritenbrink stated on Thursday that Beijing’s “growing coercion….threatens the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait.”

“We will continue to take calm, but resolute steps to uphold peace and stability in the face of Beijing’s ongoing efforts to undermine it and to support Taiwan in line with our long-standing policy,” he said.

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