Taiwan, Canada will begin talks on an investment deal with Reuters

TAIPEI (Reuters) – Taiwan and Canada have agreed to hold talks on an investment protection deal, the two governments said on Monday as part of China’s efforts to increase relations with democracies in the face of growing pressure from Beijing.

Taiwan is seeking trade agreements with its partners, such as the United States and the European Union.

Despite being a member of the World Trade Organization, Taiwan has free trade agreements with only two major economies, Singapore and New Zealand, and China has pressured countries not to act directly with the Taipei government.

The Taiwanese cabinet said chief trade negotiator John Deng had almost met with Canadian International Trade Minister Mary Ng and both agreed to begin “study discussions” on the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement.

The cabinet statement said the move was an “important milestone” in strengthening economic and trade relations.

The Canadian government, which, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, said in a statement that Ng “highlighted Taiwan as a key trading and investment partner as Canada expands its trade ties and deepens economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.” “. .

A direct meeting between the two government ministers could anger China, and has intensified efforts to isolate Taiwan while Beijing claims its sovereignty claims.

China sees democratically governed Taiwan as part of its territory without the right to state-to-state relations, a view that the Taiwanese government firmly rejects.

Canada is also a member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement on Pacific Cooperation, or has applied to join the CPTPP, Taiwan and China.