A senior Taiwanese politician has pushed for his country’s inclusion in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework set to be implemented by the US.
During talks with US Trade Representative Katherine Tai, Taiwan’s chief trade negotiator John Deng reiterated the island’s desire to be included in the framework, part of the Biden administration’s efforts to counter growing Chinese influence in the region.
Tai had declined to say last month if Taiwan would be included in the economic plan, prompting criticism in the US Senate.
Hsiao Chen-jung, an official from Deng’s office, reiterated Taiwan’s support for the framework.
“Regional trade issues are of concern to both sides,” Hsiao said, adding the two sides agreed to maintain contact on issues of mutual concern.
A statement from Tai’s office did not mention the framework, but acknowledged “their mutual interest in working together on issues of common concern, including regionally and in multilateral organizations like the World Trade Organization”.
Officials in Beijing, which claims Taiwan as Chinese territory, have condemned what it deems to be US interference in the region.
Whilst keen to combat what the White House deems to be economic coercion in the region by China, the administration will be wary of upsetting Beijing too much, with the country’s leadership having made it clear that any recognition of Taiwan would be seen as a hostile act.