"Although the TRA seems removed from the Taiwanese reality today, it is unlikely to be amended," said Stephen J. Yates, once a Deputy Assistant to former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney.

Speaking in fluent mandarin, Yates added that, "After 30 years, I am in still in awe of the consensus that was reached between the countries."

Yates gave a speech yesterday regarding the "The 30th Anniversary of the TRA -- Looking at the Taiwan-U.S.-China relations," an event organized by the non-government affiliated Taiwan National Security Institute.

"The TRA does not address human rights, it does not discuss economic development nor does it mention terrorism," said Yates." But it is very carefully crafted and builds a clear political framework; one the U.S. still follows today."

Yates explained that while there are many people who dislike the "One-China policy," it remains a powerful reality and continues to hold as the United States' stance on the cross-strait issue.

The Taiwan Relations Act was passed by the United States Congress in 1979 after the U.S. established formal relations with the People's Republic of China (PRC) and in turn, broke relations with the Republic of China (ROC).

Signed by then President Jimmy Carter, provisions of the act required the U.S. to provide Taiwan with arms of a defensive character, but does not require the U.S. to intervene militarily if the PRC attacks or invades Taiwan.

A policy of "strategic ambiguity" was also developed between the U.S. and Taiwan, in which the U.S. neither confirms nor denies that it would intervene if China was to attack

While lauding Taiwan's political progress and brewing economic relationship with China, Yates also voiced concern for the island's future.

"I still think Taiwan's position is very fragile," he said. "Although Taiwan has become democratized, real democracy is a process, not a destination."

Using the United States as an example, Yates explained that many in the U.S. believe "that only until this year can America call herself a democracy -- this is not my personal opinion -- but some Americans believe that the election of a black president proves that the United States can overcome historic obstacles and finally say, "we are a democratic country."

In light of the recent proposal for Taiwan to sign an economic cooperation pact with China, Yates urged Taiwanese citizens to exercise democracy on a daily basis by bonding together to influence governmental decisions.

"You can't just say "I will vote every four years" and do nothing in the time in between. You'll realize after four years [of inactivity] your vote will mean nothing."

Although he admitted that the United States does not formally recognize Taiwan as a democratic and sovereign nation, Yates argued that amending the TRA may result in even more restrictions for Taiwan.

"Many positive achievements have been made due to the TRA," said Yates. "I have to say, Taiwan today is in a much better shape than she was in 1979."