AIT Washington
April 10, 2014
On April 10 we commemorate the 35th anniversary of the signing of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA). In 1979, at a time of great uncertainty in the U.S.-Taiwan relationship, a bipartisan effort in the U.S. Congress and the Executive Branch created the TRA to authorize the continuation of commercial, cultural and other relations between the people of the United States and the people on Taiwan. That relationship has been and continues to be firmly grounded in history, shared values, and our common commitment to democracy and human rights. The TRA also recognizes the importance of our relationship in maintaining peace, security, and stability in the Western Pacific.
The TRA has succeeded beyond even the high aspirations it was designed to fulfill. Our unofficial yet strong relationship with Taiwan has never been better.
Today, the Taiwan Relations Act acts as the cornerstone for cooperation in mutually beneficial areas ranging from energy and security to the environment, law enforcement and scientific research. The TRA has served us well and will enable us to continue to strengthen our cooperation with Taiwan in the years ahead.
