Talks planned for September in Taipei
Taiwan and the U. S. will hold talks later this year as part of upgraded efforts to counter Beijing’s growing pressure on the island for political unification.
The talks planned for September in Taipei will include a senior official from Washington, de facto U. S. ambassador to Taipei William Brent Christensen said Tuesday.
Christensen didn’t say whether the consultations are meant to provoke China or push it to make changes. The U. S. has formal diplomatic relations with China but maintains strong ties with Taiwan though the American Institute in Taiwan, its de facto embassy in Taipei, which has recently undergone a major upgrade in facilities.
« We believe it’s possible to have a good relationship with Taiwan and a good relationship with China at the same time, » Christensen said at a news conference. « Things we do with Taiwan should not be regarded as things that we are doing because we are seeking to provoke China or vice versa. »
President Donald Trump has elevated 40 years of informal ties with Taiwan through more open contacts and planned arms deals.
