US shows support for Taiwan with new trade agreement

The United States has signalled its support for Taiwan with a trade agreement as the island democracy comes under increasing pressure from China. The agreement, the first under the US-Taiwan initiative on 21st Century Trade, is expected to set the stage for what US trade representative Katherine Tai described as "a robust and high-standard trade agreement". The initiative announced on Thursday includes cutting red tape at customs and reducing waiting for US businesses taking products to Taiwan. It also commits both countries to measures designed to combat corruption and encourage more trade involving smaller business. There is broad bipartisan support…