Toomey to Introduce Resolution on Taiwan Trade Negotiations

Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., said he plans to introduce a resolution in the Senate to open trade negotiations for a free trade agreement with Taiwan. Toomey said during a Heritage Foundation webinar on Taiwan Nov. 18, “We’ve got a particularly attractive opportunity to expand trade with Taiwan. Strengthening those trade ties with Taiwan would benefit us both in security terms and in economic growth.” He said Taiwan is the 10th-largest trading partner in goods for the U.S. Toomey, a consistent free-trader, said he hopes that talks will aim to liberalize trade, not manage it. China would be angered if the U.S. did seek an FTA with Taiwan, as it does not recognize the island as an independent country.