Radio Taiwan International
Date: 2018-03-05
Taiwan’s representative to the US, Stanley Kao, says that Taiwan can only lift restrictions
Taiwan’s representative to the US, Stanley Kao. (Photo by CNA)
on US pork and beef products if they are found safe for consumption.
Taiwan maintains a partial ban on imports of US pork and beef, including pork containing the leanness-enhancing drug ractopamine. The United States has been pushing Taiwan to lift its restrictions.
On Sunday, Kao said that Taiwan is willing to hold talks on opening up to various agricultural imports. However, Kao said the US cannot treat beef and pork imports as a prerequisite for cooperation in other areas. Kao said the key to any change in policy will be the health of Taiwanese consumers in accordance with international and scientific standards.
Kao also spoke about the recent US decision to raise tariffs on imported steel and aluminum. He said that Taiwan is watching developments in US trade policy and plans to lodge complaints with the WTO. At the same time, he said that Taiwan will continue to consult with the US in order to understand overall developments and their potential impact. [FULL STORY]
