US, Taiwan hold first round of trade talks

US and Taiwanese officials held the first round of trade talks on Monday under an initiative announced earlier this month that drew strong criticism from Beijing.

Deputy US Trade Representative Sarah Bianchi and Taiwan's top trade negotiator John Deng held the inaugural meeting of the US-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade which aims to deepen ties between the two economies.

"This initiative will unlock market opportunities, promote innovation and create inclusive economic growth for our workers and businesses," Bianchi said in a statement.

Washington has said the scope of the talks is limited and in keeping with the  "unofficial" relationship with Taipei.

But Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its territory and tries to keep it isolated on the world stage, bristling at any attempt to treat the self-governing democracy as an independent nation.