Ties not competing with cross-strait relations: outgoing AIT chief

During his farewell speech, Stephen Young, director of AIT, said that there should be no rivalry between the Taiwan-U.S. relationship and Taiwan-China rapport: "Our strong ties need not be in competition with recently warming links between Taiwan and China."

Instead, Taiwan-U.S. ties should serve as support for improvement of cross-strait relations, "but can rather complement that process by providing this island with the confidence to explore better relations with the mainland," said Young.

Young also praised Taiwan's democratic progress: "I think of Taiwan's further maturation as a democracy, best exemplified by the free and fair elections held last year, the verdict of which was calmly accepted by all major political forces."

The incoming appointee, William A. Stanton, as well received Young's favorable remarks: "I know Bill to be an experienced diplomat and seasoned China hand who will do a fantastic job."

According to AIT's press release, Stanton is a native of New Jersey who studied in the United States and Germany. He has a Ph.D. in English literature.

Stanton is knowledgeable in China-Taiwan affairs as he was posted in Beijing from 1989 to 1990 during the Tiananmen Square protest, as well as from 1995 to 1998 during the Taiwan Strait Crisis of 1996. He has been the Deputy Chief of Mission to the United States Embassy in Seoul, Korea since August of 2006.

Washington had contacted the Ma administration about the appointment and received positive response, reported local media.

Young is scheduled to leave Taiwan today and Stanton will arrive in Taiwan later this summer.

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