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U.S. Congress reaffirms commitment to Taiwan Relations Act

ROC Central News Agency

2009/03/25 17:29:41

By Chiehyu Lin and Y.F. Low

Washington, March 24 (CNA) The U.S. House of Representatives reaffirmed its commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) in a resolution adopted Tuesday in recognition of the 30th anniversary of the law's enactment.

The resolution acknowledges the TRA as "the cornerstone of U.S. relations with Taiwan" and reiterates Congress' support for Taiwan's democratic institutions.

The resolution also expresses support for "the strong and deepening relationship between the United States and Taiwan."

Adopted unanimously by Congress, it was co-sponsored by 123 members led by Shelley Berkley (D-Nev.) , co-chair of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus.

The document states that the TRA, which was enacted April 10, 1979, codifies the basis for continued commercial, cultural and other relations between the United States and Taiwan after the severance of diplomatic ties between the two sides.

In addition, the enactment of the TRA affirmed that the U.S. decision to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China was based on the expectation that the future of Taiwan would be determined by peaceful means, the resolution says.

The TRA stipulates that it is the policy of the United States to provide defense articles and defense services in such quantity as may be necessary to enable Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability, the resolution notes.

The law also states that it is the policy of the United States to maintain the capacity to resist any resort to force or other forms of coercion that would jeopardize the security, or the social or economic system, of the people of Taiwan, the resolution says.

Over the past 30 years, the resolution notes, relations between the United States and Taiwan have strengthened with Taiwan's evolution into a full-fledged democracy and a robust free-market economy.

The relations have also advanced with Taiwan's determined efforts and collaboration with the United States to combat global terrorism and Taiwan's leadership role in addressing transnational and global challenges.

Commenting on the resolution, Taiwan's representative to the United States Jason Yuan said Taiwan deeply appreciates the support shown by the U.S. Congress, adding that the resolution is very meaningful because it demonstrates the importance attached by the U.S. Congress to the TRA.