AMN/ WEB DESK
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said today that a bilateral trade deal between Taiwan and the United States would reinforce U.S. support for the democratic island in the face of unrelenting intimidation from China.
Taiwan, claimed by China as its own territory, has long angled for a trade deal with its most important diplomatic and military backer, and in August Tsai announced a relaxation on imports of U.S. pork and beef, removing a stumbling block.
In a recorded message to the American Legislative Exchange Council, Tsai said that with Taiwan’s reliance on trade, the island had to strengthen economic ties with trading partners.China has ramped up its military activities near the island, including on occasion flying fighter jets over the sensitive mid line of the Taiwan Strait, which serves as an unofficial buffer between the two sides.
Tsai said she would never stop seeking a peaceful and stable cross-strait relationship, but that she would also not compromise when making decisions needed to keep Taiwan secure.