US to hold trade talks with Taiwan in new show of support

Visitors review new Asus computer products at the Computex trade show in Taipei, Taiwan. [AP Photo]

The U.S. government plans talks with Taiwan on a wide-ranging trade treaty in a sign of support for the self-ruled island democracy claimed by China's ruling Communist Party as part of its territory.

The announcement Thursday comes after Beijing held military drills that included firing missiles into the sea to intimidate Taiwan following this month's visit by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.