China warns US over Taiwan trade talks
The Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that China will defend its territorial integrity and urged the United States not to make a wrong judgement. It comes as Washington agreed to initiate trade talks with Taiwan. At a press briefing in Beijing, foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin called on the United States to stop its engagement with the island.  "China will take resolute measures to uphold its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. We advise the United States stop making misjudgements," he said. Commerce ministry spokeswoman Shu Jueting added: "China has always opposed any official exchanges between any country and the Taiwan region of China." Meanwhile, the office of the US Trade Representative said the island and the US had "reached consensus on the negotiating mandate" and it was expected that the first round of talks would take place early this autumn.  "We plan to pursue an ambitious schedule for achieving high-standard commitments and meaningful outcomes covering the eleven trade areas in the negotiating mandate that will help build a fairer, more prosperous and resilient 21st-century economy," Deputy United States Trade Representative Sarah Bianchi said in a statement. (Agencies)