U.S., Taiwan Announce Trade Talks

The United States and Taiwan said that they will hold trade talks (CNN) in Washington later this month. The announcement comes as the Joe Biden administration develops its Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), which includes thirteen countries but excludes Taiwan.

The U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on Twenty-First Century Trade is expected to include elements similar to those of IPEF, such as trade facilitation and anti-corruption measures. It is not expected to reduce tariffs and thus would not require U.S. congressional approval. Officials in Beijing, which views Taiwan as part of its territory, criticized the talks (AP) and called on Washington to “stop negotiating agreements with Taiwan that have sovereign connotations and official nature.”

Analysis

“A U.S.-Taiwan trade agreement would increase the island’s economic and national security while further opening an important market for U.S. exports. It would signal support for an important partner and underscore the U.S. interest in cross-strait stability,” CFR’s David Sacks and Jennifer A. Hillman wrote for the Asia Unbound blog last year.

“I think it’s reasonable to conclude that, yes, the [Biden] administration is looking at this initiative with Taiwan as a possible parallel pathway to its ultimate participation in IPEF itself,” the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ Matthew P. Goodman tells Reuters.

This Backgrounder unpacks tensions over Taiwan.

Pacific Rim

China Unveils New Renewable Energy Target

Beijing aims for 50 percent of additional electricity consumption to come from renewable sources (Bloomberg) over the 2021–2025 period. A Chinese official previously said renewables would account for two-thirds, suggesting the new target could allow for more coal-fired power generation.

This Backgrounder examines China’s fight against climate change.

South and Central Asia

Pro-Military Militias Target Myanmar’s Opposition

Pro-military militias killed fourteen members or supporters (Al Jazeera) of the National League for Democracy party between April 21 and May 5, the party said.

India: A community leader said more than one hundred Hindu families fled India-administered Kashmir (Reuters) after suspected militants shot and killed a Hindu teacher earlier this week. It was the latest in a series of targeted killings in the Muslim-majority region.

Middle East and North Africa

Yemen’s Warring Sides Agree to Extend Truce

The UN office for Yemen, which announced the two-month extension, said it provides a “rare glimmer of hope” that ending the seven-year conflict is possible.

This Backgrounder looks at the war in Yemen.

Tunisia: President Kais Saied fired fifty-seven judges (Al Jazeera, Reuters) whom he accused of corruption and protecting “terrorists.” The move further consolidates his hold on power.

Sub-Saharan Africa

Guinea Sees Largest Protests Since 2021 Coup

The demonstrators opposed (Reuters) a 20 percent fuel price hike. Security forces reportedly killed one person during protests in the capital, Conakry.

Mali: A Jordanian peacekeeper died (UN News) after a suspected terror group attacked a UN peacekeeping convoy in the northern Kidal Region. This is the fifth incident to occur in the past week, according to the UN mission in Mali.

Europe

Russian Forces Control Most of Ukrainian City of Severodonetsk

Regional and British officials reported a near-complete seizure (Axios) of what is the last major city under Ukrainian control in the Luhansk region of the Donbas.

France: French diplomats are going on strike (RFI) to protest job cuts and reforms to the country’s diplomatic corps.

Americas

U.S. Reportedly in Talks With Canada, Spain on Accepting Refugees

Both Canada and Spain are considering U.S. proposals (Axios) and could announce new commitments on resettling refugees from the Western Hemisphere at next week’s Summit of the Americas.

This In Brief unpacks what to expect from the Summit of the Americas.

U.S./Cuba: The U.S. Transportation Department lifted a ban (AP) imposed by the Donald Trump administration on U.S. airlines and chartered flights flying to cities other than Havana.

United States

Education Department to Cancel Debt for Students From For-Profit College Chain

The cancellation for more than half a million people who attended Corinthian Colleges is the Education Department’s largest student loan forgiveness (NYT) action ever.

This Backgrounder looks at whether rising student debt is harming the U.S. economy.

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