WASHINGTON (AP) \u2014 The United States signed a trade agreement Thursday with Taiwan over opposition from China, which claims the self-ruled island democracy as part of its territory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The two governments say the\u00a0U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade\u00a0will strengthen commercial relations by improving customs, investment and other regulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The measure was signed by employees of the unofficial entities that maintain relations between the United States and Taiwan, a center for high-tech industry. They have no formal diplomatic ties but maintain unofficial relations and have billions of dollars in annual trade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The agreement is intended to \u201cstrengthen and deepen the economic and trade relationship,\u201d the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said in a statement. The deputy USTR, Sarah Bianchi, attended the signing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Chinese government\u00a0accused Washington of violating agreements\u00a0on Taiwan\u2019s status and demanded the U.S. government stop official contact with the island\u2019s elected government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Taiwan and China split in 1949 after a civil war. The island never has been part of the People\u2019s Republic of China, but the mainland\u2019s ruling Communist Party says it is obligated to unite with China, by force if necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chinese leader Xi Jinping\u2019s government has stepped up efforts to intimidate Taiwan by flying fighter jets and bombers near the island. American and European politicians have visited Taiwan in a show of support for its elected government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe United States should stop any form of official exchanges with Taiwan\u201d and \u201crefrain from sending wrong signals to the \u2018Taiwan independence\u2019 secessionist forces,\u201d said a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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