This article is from: srnnews.com
TAIPEI, June 25 (Reuters) â China has been contacting U.S. states and private firms to discourage engagement with Taiwan and mischaracterising U.S. policy, but links with Taiwan should be expanded, three U.S. government departments said in joint letters.
The U.S. is Taiwanâs most important international backer and arms supplier despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, to the constant anger of Beijing, which claims the independently ruled island as its territory.
The two letters, from U.S. Departments of State, Agriculture and Commerce, are addressed to governorâs offices and CEOs or business leaders. They are dated June 16 but were released by the de facto U.S. embassy in Taiwan late on Wednesday.
Similarly worded, the letters say that Chinaâs embassy and consulates regularly contact local government offices or private business in the U.S. to âdiscourage engagement with Taiwanâ.
âIn doing so, they often mischaracterise U.S. policy by, for example, falsely claiming that Washington has previously accepted Beijingâs specific position on Taiwan,â both the letters say.
Should government offices or companies be contacted by Chinese officials âapplying pressure on youâ, they should contact the State Department, the letters say.
Chinaâs foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The U.S. officially takes no position on Taiwanâs sovereignty under Washingtonâs âOne Chinaâ policy.
The letters say that Taiwan plays a key role in the global trade system and U.S. states and businesses have had robust ties with the island for many decades.
âTaiwan is a vital U.S. partner and democratic success story,â the letter to the governors says. âWe hope you will take advantage of all the opportunities that our shared values and robust relationship with Taiwan offer.â
(Reporting by Ben Blanchard)
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