China strongly opposes US–Taiwan trade agreement

Friday 16 January 2026 - 10:00

By: Sahili Aya

China strongly opposes US–Taiwan trade agreement

China on Friday expressed firm opposition to a trade agreement recently concluded between the United States and Taiwan, arguing that the deal undermines the “one China” principle that lies at the heart of Beijing’s foreign policy.

The agreement between Washington and Taipei includes significant investments by Taiwanese companies in the United States, particularly in the semiconductor sector, in exchange for reduced US tariffs on Taiwanese products.

Speaking at a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Beijing “consistently and resolutely opposes” any agreement with official or sovereign implications signed between countries that maintain diplomatic relations with China and the Taiwanese authorities.

Guo urged the United States to “strictly respect the one China principle” and to handle Taiwan-related issues with caution. Beijing considers Taiwan an integral part of its territory and opposes any form of official engagement between the island and foreign governments.

The agreement has added to already strained relations between China and the United States, as trade, technology, and regional security continue to fuel tensions between the two powers.