In its latest show of support, the US has agreed to start formal trade negotiations with Taiwan in the coming months. Two-way trade between the countries was worth nearly US$106 billion in 2020, and the US says the talks present an opportunity to assist Taiwan in building its resilience and supply chains. Across the strait, China sees Taiwan as a breakaway province, and its relationship with the US has been increasingly fraught as America strengthens ties with Taiwan. That included a visit by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other political delegates this month – and didn’t that cause a stink… The latest move is set to anger Beijing, which is back to ramping up its military drills. Yesterday, China’s defence ministry said its troops will travel to Russia for joint military exercises to “deepen practical and friendly cooperation” and “strengthen the ability to respond to various security threats”.