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Washington welcomes cross-strait dialogue

ROC Central News Agency

2010/06/30 10:53:00

Washington, June 29 (CNA) The United States Department of State said Tuesday it welcomes boosted dialogue and exchanges between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, adding that it hopes the links will continue expanding.

State Department acting deputy spokesman Gordon Duguid made the remarks after Taiwanese and Chinese negotiators signed an economic cooperation framework agreement (ECFA) in Chongqing, China earlier that day, which observers described as one of the most significant steps in the development of cross-strait relations in six decades.

During a daily press briefing, Duguid was asked whether the ECFA will bring any changes to the region, such as promping other countries to have similar ties with China.

Duguid said: "China being an economic power. Idon't think it's limited to other states in the region. And I do believe that most of the states in the region do have very strong economic relationships with China." On the cross-strait ECFA, Duguid said: "This particular agreement is one of a framework for tariffs and so the two-both PRC and Taiwan will be looking at their tariff structure to try and increase trade. Increased trade does create more peaceful ties between nations. And as far as that can carry forward a more stable Asia, a more stable Southeast Asia, we are certainly in favor of that taking place." (By Zep Hu and Elizabeth Hsu) enditem/bc