US and Taiwan announce formal bilateral trade talks

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The US has announced that they will begin formal trade negotiations with Taiwan.

According to the Office of US Trade Representative, the first round of talks is expected to start in the fall.

Digital trade and anti-corruption standards will be discussed.

The relationship between the US and China is tense.

The US-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade was first unveiled in June and both sides now say they have reached consensus.

The United States plans to pursue an ambitious schedule that will help build a fair, more prosperous and resilient 21st century economy, according to the deputy United States trade representative.

In 2020, trade between the US and Taiwan was $106 billion.

China launched its largest ever military exercises around Taiwan after Ms Pelosi's visit.

The US has a "robust unofficial" relationship with Taiwan even though it does not have formal ties with the island.

The island must be united with the mainland in order for Beijing to see it as its own.

Taiwan sees itself as different from the mainland.

The peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait is at risk due to Beijing's growing coercion, according to the top US diplomat for East Asia.

In the face of Beijing's efforts to undermine it and to support Taiwan in line with our long-standing policy, we will continue to take calm.

• Why do China and Taiwan have poor relations? China sees the self-ruled island as a part of its territory and insists it should be unified with the mainland, by force if necessary

• How is Taiwan governed? The island has its own constitution, democratically elected leaders, and about 300,000 active troops in its armed forces

• Who recognises Taiwan? Only a few countries recognise Taiwan. Most recognise the Chinese government in Beijing instead. The US has no official ties with Taiwan but does have a law which requires it to provide the island with the means to defend itself