Friday, March 16, 2018

Over Chinese Warnings, President Trump Signs U.S.-Taiwan Travel Bill



Reuters: Trump signs U.S.-Taiwan travel bill; China 'strongly dissatisfied'

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump on Friday signed legislation that encourages the United States to send senior officials to Taiwan to meet Taiwanese counterparts and vice versa, angering China, which views Taiwan as a wayward province.

The bill, which is non-binding, would have gone into effect on Saturday morning, even if Trump had not signed it, said the White House.

The move adds to strains between the two countries over trade, as Trump has enacted tariffs and called for China to reduce its huge trade imbalance with the United States, even while Washington has leaned on Beijing to help resolve tensions with North Korea.

Earlier on Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang reiterated that Beijing was opposed to the legislation and urged the United States to abide by the “one China” policy and cease official exchanges with Taiwan.

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Update: Trump approves official travel to Taiwan (AFP)

WNU Editor: Even though this is a non-binding resolution, this is a signal to China that the "One China" policy that the U.S. has been following for years may be heading for a change.

1 comment:

Mike Feldhake said...

This is great strategy, a clear signal to China that they can't dictate terms is needed. It would also end badly for China to invade Taiwan, but I don't take their threats a literal. The threat is just a posture and once we call their bluff, which Trump is doing masterfully, then they will have to negotiate on fair terms.