Taiwan must improve passport procedures for visa-free US entry

In his first press release since his inauguration in August, delivered yesterday, Stanton highlighted ongoing discussions in Washington D.C. to include Taiwan in VWP. A VWP grants a national from participating countries to enter the United States for up to a 90-day stay for business or tourism purposes, without obtaining a visa. There are currently 35 participating countries including Japan and South Korea.

He noted for Taiwan to become an eligible participant, it will need to alter the way it issues passports. “Personal appearance [to apply for passports] should be required,” to avoid the risk of issuing passports to non-Taiwanese citizens, he said.

The policy in Taiwan does not require an individual to show up personally when applying for a Taiwanese passport.

Turning attention to expanding ties in trade and investments, “the first step is accessing U.S beef to the Taiwan market.” He reported U.S beef has met all the requirements of the World Organization for Animal Health. The U.S is taking a gradual approach due to the issue's sensitivity but announced it is close to an agreement with Taiwan.

Yaung Chih-liang, minister of the Department of Health said yesterday that the U.S needs to present a complete plan to assure the safety of its beef. U.S beef is banned from Taiwan for its association with mad cow disease.

Among other things, Stanton stressed strengthening U.S-Taiwan relations and made reassurances that Washington will continue to provide Taiwan with security and self-defense means in accordance with the Taiwan Relation Act. “U.S policy under the Obama administration for Taiwan has not changed; it is still based on the act and [Taiwan] shouldn't expect any surprises,”

The new director stated the new AIT compound under construction in Neihu City symbolizes the U.S. commitment in Taiwan, and observed that it as the first and only building ever established in Taiwan to house a foreign representative office.

Some have raised questions over U.S President Obama's first state visit to China next month, where he will hold talks with President Hu-Jintao. Stanton assured there are no reasons for Taiwan to be concerned. Issues related to Taiwan will probably be raised, but the talks will generally discuss climate change, he noted.

Stanton added that the U.S is closely tracking China's growing military power but will continue its efforts to maintain a cooperative relationship. And in response to recent critics who condemned him for commenting on Chen Shui-bian's trial during his prior meeting with Wang Ching-feng, minister for the Ministry of Justice, he replied, “after 31 years of foreign service, I have learned not to interfere with internal affairs.” He added the U.S does not give advice to Taiwan on what it should do regarding internal matters.

Finally, responding to the possibility of F-16 sales, the advanced American jet fighter Taiwan has long requested, he said, “F-16 armed sell is under review in accordance with the assessment of what Taiwan's self-defense needs.”

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