In 1979, the United States Congress passed the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) and established the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT). In 2019, AIT marks its forty-year anniversary. In this “AIT@40” exhibit, AIT has brought together documents, artifacts, interviews, hundreds of photos, and even augmented reality features to tell the story of AIT’s role in forging U.S.-Taiwan relations over the past 40 years. It shows the breadth and depth of the exchanges and engagement that the U.S. and Taiwan have shared since 1979.
On June 12, 2018, AIT dedicated its new office complex in Taipei’s Neihu District. The new AIT office complex is modern, environmentally friendly, and the first purpose-built facility by a foreign representative office in Taiwan. It is a tangible symbol of long term U.S. commitment to the U.S.-Taiwan relationship.
In measuring this relationship, we often cite data and numbers—volume of trade, number of visitors, and so forth—to illustrate its magnitude and importance. Through this “AIT@40” exhibit, we provide insights into how we have been able to accomplish these relationship milestones. This exhibit offers a window into AIT’s constant and regular interactions with our Taiwan partners that have allowed us to accomplish so much. This exhibit shows not only how together we have built a strong foundation for the U.S.-Taiwan relationship, but also looks ahead to the strong and vibrant cooperation that will continue between our two peoples.
