The government of the Republic of China welcomes US President Barack Obama's statement reaffirming the Taiwan Relations Act at his joint press conference with mainland Chinese leader Xi Jinping Sept. 25 at the White House.
President Obama's statement reasserts the importance of the Taiwan Relations Act as the basis of Taiwan-US relations, demonstrating the US commitment to Taiwan's security, following on his mention of the TRA last Nov. 12 in Beijing, when he also encouraged the two sides of the strait to establish mutual trust based on dignity and respect.
In recent years mutual trust has been restored between Taipei and Washington, and continues to strengthen through a variety of communication channels. Ahead of Xi Jinping's current US visit, Taiwan maintained close contact with the US to ensure that its interests were not affected.
In a positive response to this contact, senior officials in the US administration, including the National Security Advisor, Susan Rice, National Security Council Senior Director for Asian Affairs, Daniel Kritenbrink, and Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Daniel Russel, reiterated that the longstanding US position has not changed and that Washington will continue to abide by the Taiwan Relations Act. Their statements indicate that the US fully understands Taiwan's position and show active support of Taiwan.
The ROC government, on this basis, will continue to promote cooperative relations with the US, as well as peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
By: N. Peter Kramer
