The negotiating mandate released along with the announcement said the United States and Taiwan have set a robust agenda for talks on issues like trade facilitation, good regulatory practices, and removing discriminatory barriers to trade.
Sarah did not mention the possibility of a broad free trade deal, which Taiwan has been pressing for.
Washington, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, has been keen to bolster support for Taiwan, especially as it faces increased political pressure from China to accept its sovereignty claims.
Read: What are the signals that Germany and France will jointly develop a nuclear arsenal?
Geopolitical tensions have been running high between the US and China recently, especially after Nancy Pelosi’s visit to the island, which China claims as its breakaway province. In response, the Chinese military conducted large-scale drills around Taiwan which many experts feared was a simulation for a possible invasion. (rr)