WASHINGTON — The United States says it will continue to support better ties between Taiwan and mainland China despite the rout suffered by Taiwan’s pro-Beijing ruling party in local elections.
The ruling Nationalist Party lost nine cities and counties in Saturday’s vote, dealing a stiff blow to a government that has pushed closer economic ties with Beijing. The self-governing island’s premier quickly resigned.
State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Monday the U.S. view on cross-strait relations has not changed, and it will encourage Beijing and Taipei to continue their “constructive dialogue.”
Beijing has claimed sovereignty over Taiwan since the Chinese civil war of the 1940s. But since 2008, Taiwan has set aside the old disputes to ease tensions through talks.
China’s government is urging Taiwan to protect those gains.
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