Last year, cross-Straits trade totalled US$179.6bil (RM752.9bil), more than double that of Taiwan’s trade with its close ally United States at US$84.9bil (RM355.9bil). While the NSP looks economic in nature, it is seen by analysts as a partial veil to strengthen ties with these countries. Although Asean nations adhere to the “One China” policy, they have maintained trade and economic ties with Taiwan. The rest are other Asean countries, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia and New Zealand. “Malaysia and Taiwan already have close bilateral ties all these years, from investment and trade to people-to-people exchange,” he explains.

Source: The Star September 17, 2017 00:33 UTC