Taiwan and Japan sign digital trade agreement amid tensions with China

Source: CritpoTendencia Original Title: Taiwan and Japan sign digital trade agreement amid tensions with China Original Link:

Recently, the authorities of Japan and Taiwan sealed a digital trade agreement that could be of enormous relevance for the region. This move becomes a strong signal of rapprochement between the two economic powers despite pressure from mainland China.

A few days ago, Japan’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, threatened to become militarily involved in a hypothetical conflict between China and Taiwan. This enraged the authorities in Beijing, who called the statements “reckless” and issued warnings from a more diplomatic standpoint.

Amid these tensions, Taipei and Tokyo are taking this new step toward closer relations. Representatives from both administrations signed the agreement during a technology meeting held in Taiwan. Authorities emphasize that the agreement includes “more comprehensive and important standards for contemporary virtual trade.”

Among the points addressed in this digital trade agreement are elements such as tariff exemptions on cross-border electronic data transmissions. This is complemented by paperless trade, data and privacy protection, network security, and online consumer protection.

In addition, the representatives signed a memorandum of customs cooperation.

The digital trade agreement and pressure from China

As mentioned before, the agreement comes at a time of serious tensions between Tokyo and Beijing. As is well known, China considers Taiwan part of its territory, something that the vast majority of nations in the world, [image]including the US,( accept. However, within the island’s internal politics, there are also separatist factions seeking independence.

The latter is considered by China a red line. Thus, a declaration of independence could trigger a forced military unification by Beijing. This is a conflict with a long history dating back to the civil war between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party.

While most nations in the world see it as an internal matter for China, recently Japan became involved, causing discomfort in the communist country. As can be seen, this context is extremely complicated, which is why Chinese authorities closely monitor any agreements between Taiwan and other nations.

Despite this, it is noteworthy that trust and ties between the authorities of Japan and Taiwan are strengthening. Digital trade is one of the sectors with the greatest potential in Asia, making this agreement an element of enormous relevance.