May 5, 2025 11:12 pm
Full News

US-Taiwan Trade Agreement Takes Effect Amid Growing Tensions with China

TAIPEI – The first agreement under the US-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade came into force on December 10, marking a significant milestone in the growing economic ties between Taipei and Washington. Both governments heralded the development as a step toward bolstering their trade relationship, with hopes for broader agreements in the future.

This agreement, part of a framework launched after Taiwan’s exclusion from the US-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework in 2022, covers areas such as anti-corruption, Customs administration, trade facilitation, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

“The entry into force of the first agreement under our 21st Century Trade initiative represents an important step forward in strengthening the US-Taiwan economic and trade relationship,” said US Trade Representative Katherine Tai in a statement.

Taiwan’s Office of Trade Negotiations described the agreement as evidence of the “rock-solid partnership” between the two sides. “Given the highly volatile global situation, it is of strategic significance for Taiwan to consolidate and expand its relationships with important economic and trade partners,” it said.

Toward a Broader Trade Framework

Discussions on a second agreement under the framework are ongoing, covering areas such as labor, environmental standards, and agriculture. Taiwan has also expressed interest in pursuing a free trade agreement with the US, although Washington has paused all such negotiations.

The US remains Taiwan’s most important international backer and arms supplier, despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties.

Beijing’s Objections

China has expressed strong opposition to the US-Taiwan trade talks, viewing them as a violation of its sovereignty claims over Taiwan. Beijing regularly objects to any form of official interaction between Taipei and Washington, accusing the US of undermining regional stability.

Taiwan’s government firmly rejects China’s sovereignty claims, asserting its status as a self-governing democracy.

This trade agreement signals a deepening of US-Taiwan relations at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.

Related News
Saudi Arabia Temporarily Suspends Visas for Several Countries, Including Bangladesh and Pakistan
Wicked: Could It Win Best Picture at the Oscars?
USA Bangabandhu Parishad Informs US Congress About Yunus’s Illegal Government’s Human Rights Violations and Terrorist Activities in Bangladesh
U.S. Issues Security Alert for Americans in Israel
Elon Musk Reportedly Meets Iran’s UN Ambassador Amid Rising US-Iran Tensions
Impeached South Korean President Yoon arrested
Related Posts
Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Possible “At Any Moment
Pakistan Accuses India of Violating Indus Waters Treaty, Prepares Formal Notice
India Suspends Indus Water Treaty Amid Rising Tensions with Pakistan
Myanmar Junta May Weaponize Nuclear Power Plant, Warns UN Envoy
India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate Following Pahalgam Attack
Trump Announces 100% Tariff on All Foreign Films
More News

Bangladeshi Film Star Couple’s Daughter Attacked at Home

Lamiya Chowdhury, daughter of late Bangladeshi film stars Parveen Sultana Diti and Sohel Chowdhury, has fallen victim to a violent attack at her home in Sonargaon, Narayanganj. A group of armed assailants stormed her residence on Saturday afternoon, vandalizing her car and injuring her leg. Following the attack, Lamiya went live on Facebook, pleading for […]

UAE holds ‘secret’ talks on formation of post-war government in Gaza

The UAE has discussed a post-war provisional regime in Gaza with Israel and the United States, several foreign diplomats and Western officials said. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is secretly negotiating with the United States and Israel to form a post-war government in Gaza. Post-war provisional regimes and peacekeeping operations were discussed. Several foreign diplomats […]

Bangladeshi Islamic Leaders Meet Afghan Minister in Kabul

Bangladeshi Islamic leaders recently met with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, in a high-level meeting held in Kabul on November 19. Indian representatives were also present during the discussions, according to a report by Afghanistan’s TOLO News on Thursday, November 21. The meeting focused on strengthening madrasa education, establishing […]

Trump Asserts Positive Relations with China and Russia

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a recent statement, former President Donald Trump declared that China and Russia are not enemies of the United States and expressed confidence that the U.S. will have great relations with both countries during his presidency. This assertion comes amidst ongoing global tensions and geopolitical challenges. Trump’s comments were made during a […]

In Kerala, India, Dalit Athlete Alleges Rape by 64 Men Over Five-Year

In the lush, verdant state of Kerala, known for its high literacy rates and progressive social movements, a grim narrative unfolds, casting a long, dark shadow over its societal fabric. An 18-year-old Dalit woman, once celebrated for her athletic prowess, has revealed a harrowing tale of abuse that spanned over five years, involving 64 men. […]

UN Chief Warns: Global Heating Cannot Be Reversed

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a stark warning, stating, “Global heating is racing forward — we cannot afford to move backward.” Guterres emphasized the urgent need for governments to fulfill their promises and produce new, economy-wide national climate action plans, especially following the hottest year and decade on record. Guterres highlighted the critical importance […]

Indian Army Retaliates Against Unprovoked Firing by Pakistan Along LoC

Indian Army Retaliates Against Unprovoked Firing by Pakistan Along LoCSrinagar (Jammu and Kashmir), May 3 – Amid rising tensions following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the Indian Army has responded to unprovoked small arms firing by the Pakistan Army across the Line of Control (LoC) during the intervening night of May 2 and 3.According […]

Guy Pearce Explains Why He Didn’t Work with Christopher Nolan After Memento

Actor Guy Pearce recently revealed that he didn’t collaborate with director Christopher Nolan after their groundbreaking film Memento due to a difference of opinion with Warner Bros. executives over his acting style. In an interview, Pearce explained that the studio executives at the time “didn’t get” his approach to the role, which led to a […]

Trump to Sign Order to Shut Down the U.S. Department of Education Today: White House

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order to shut down the Department of Education on Thursday, March 20, local time. This move aligns with his key election campaign promise. According to reports from Reuters and AFP, the White House has confirmed that Trump will sign the long-anticipated order, fulfilling a major […]

6 Dead as Tourist Submarine Sinks in Egypt

At least six people have died and nine others were injured after a tourist semi-submarine sank off the coast of Hurghada, Egypt, a city popular among British tourists along the Red Sea. Multiple ambulances rushed to the scene. According to Egyptian media outlet Al-Masry Al-Youm, the vessel, named ‘Sinbad,’ was carrying 44 tourists from various […]