Ma calls TRA a positive force in U.S.-Taiwan-China ties

Also, how Beijing leaders manage the views in China that “reunification” with the island would be an important component of Beijing's new maritime assertiveness and promote better relations with Taipei can be indicators of China's strategic ambitions, according to Paal.

More int'l space

Given the warming relations between Taiwan and China, Beijing should take further steps to give Taiwan more space in the international community, according to Winston Lord, former assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs.

Lord contended that current cross-Taiwan Strait relations are the most steady and promising — if not prosperous — in 60 years, but “there is never room for complacency.”

The most immediate issue regarding future moves by Taipei and Beijing, he said, is giving more international space for Taiwan.

While the Chinese have loosened up somewhat and seem to be entertaining flexibility on Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization, Beijing should move from “halting, limited steps to a more forthcoming posture, there and elsewhere, consistent with Taiwan's dignity and stature,” Lord said.

“This can be reconciled with Beijing's principles if it has the will to do so, Lord said. “Progress on this issue is critical — both on the merits of the case and to show Taiwan people that President Ma Ying-jeou's initiatives are bearing fruit.”

On the issue of Taiwan's sovereignty, Lord said the two sides of the Taiwan Strait need to seek ways to continue obfuscating the problem, adding that China has shown some patience on the sovereignty issue — perhaps in the belief that time is on its side.

There is a clear popular consensus in Taiwan that drawing closer to the PRC can only be envisioned if the mainland's political system becomes more open, pluralistic and free, observed Lord who now serves as the chairman emeritus of the International Rescue Committee.

But the future relationship between Taiwan and the PRC should be resolved between them “directly, peacefully and with the support of the people.” he added.

No change of TRA needed

Bonnie Glaser, a senior associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, asserted that the TRA continued to be in Washington's interests.

She said the TRA does not need to be amended because it addresses U.S. policy interests, not outcomes, and its efficacy has not been affected substantially by shifting U.S.-China-Taiwan dynamics.

Alan Romberg, a distinguished fellow and director of the East Asia Program of the Henry L. Stimson Center, echoed Glaser's view, saying that the TRA has been interpreted and applied as a very useful statement of U.S. policy and a point of reference.

“The fact that the U.S. has maintained that policy through all these years regardless of many changes in the situation is a testament to its correctness from the perspective of American interests,” he said.

Drew Thompson, director of China Studies and a senior fellow of the Nixon Center, contended that the TRA is unlikely to change in the future as it continues to serve its intended purpose to help maintain peace, security and stability in the Western Pacific.

“The ambiguity encapsulated in the TRA benefits Taiwan. Changing it would not improve Taiwan's condition, nor would it necessarily further the unique U.S.-Taiwan relationship,” Thompson said.

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