Top U.S. envoy in Taiwan: No change in island ties

William Stanton made the comments at his first news conference since taking up duties as Director of the American Institute in Taiwan in late August.

"U.S. policy under the Obama administration toward Taiwan hasn't changed," Stanton said. "I don't think we can expect any surprises in that regard."

The U.S. shifted recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979 but under the provisions of the TRA, remains Taiwan's most important foreign partner, furnishing it with weapons to defend itself against a possible Chinese attack.

Taiwan and China split amid civil war in 1949. Beijing still regards the island as part of its territory and has threatened an invasion across the 100-mile- (160-kilometer-) wide Taiwan Strait if Taiwan moves to make its de facto independence permanent.

Stanton rejected the suggestion that 30 years after its enactment, the TRA is out of touch with the new realities in the area, including China's emergence as an Asian superpower.

"The Taiwan Relations Act has served us pretty well," he said. "(It) reflects U.S. interests and U.S. values. Interests and values are the bedrock of our relationship with Taiwan."

Stanton said a review of Taiwan's defense needs is "ongoing" in Washington, but refused to comment on the chances the U.S. will accede to Taiwan's request and sell it 66 relatively advanced F-16 fighter jets.

Although its relations with China have recently improved, Taiwan says it needs the aircraft to contend with China's continuing military buildup, including its efforts to overcome long-standing Taiwanese air superiority in the Taiwan Strait.

Subscribe to The China Post and save 25%. Click here

SharePrintEmail

Write a Comment

Terms

Enter your comments - 3000 characters max

Type in image code

Submit

 Receive China Post promos
 Respond to this email