To counter China aggression, US to boost Taiwan trade, navigation

WASHINGTON: The US will boost trade with Taiwan in response to China’s “provocative” behaviour, the White House said Friday, as it insisted on the right of air and sea passage through the tense strait.
A new trade plan will be unveiled within days, while US forces will transit the Taiwan Strait in the next few weeks, said Kurt Campbell, White House coordinator for Asia-Pacific issues and an adviser to President Joe Biden.
The statement came after Beijing raged at last week’s trip by US House speaker Nancy Pelosi, launching its largest-ever military drills around the self-ruled island.
The US is reasserting its involvement in the area, while reiterating its policy of “strategic ambiguity” — diplomatically recognising China while supporting Taiwan’s self-rule.