Taiwan on cooperation with new US administration

Taiwan's Foreign Ministry on Thursday congratulated U.S. President Biden and Vice President Harris on their inauguration.Speaking to journalists in Taipei, Spokeswoman Joanne Ou said Taiwan and the U.S. will keep on cultivating deeper relations based on the solid foundation established over the past.

Meanwhile Asian shares rose Thursday on optimism over the new U.S. administration that earlier set off a rally on Wall Street.Hopes are high that President Joe Biden's administration will mean more support for the struggling U.S. economy, setting off a recovery that's crucial for the export-driven Asian region.

Taiwan stock market was up more than 200 points shortly after market opened on Thursday.As of early afternoon in Taipei, Taiwan's main stock index rose 347.59 points or 2.2% to 16153.77.Just on Saturday, then outgoin Secretary of State Mike Pompeo lifted restrictions on U.S. diplomatic contacts with Taiwanese officials, prompting a stern rebuke from China, which regards the island as a renegade province.

(Image Credit: AP)