U.S. POLICY TOWARDS TAIWAN

1. Reaffirms the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances: 1. The United States would not set a date for termination of arms sales to Taiwan, 2. The United States would not alter the terms of the Taiwan Relations Act, 3. The United States would not consult with China in advance before making decisions about U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, 4. The United States would not mediate between Taiwan and China, 5. The United States would not alter its position about the sovereignty of Taiwan which was, that the question was one to be decided peacefully by the Chinese themselves, and would not pressure Taiwan to enter into negotiations with China, 6. The United States would not formally recognize Chinese sovereignty over Taiwan.
2. Establishes objectives to support the security of Taiwan and its democratic, economic, and military institutions, promote stability in cross-Strait relations, support Taiwan’s inclusion in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, and deter the PRC’s aggression towards Taiwan.
3. Directs the U.S. federal government to engage with the democratic government of Taiwan as the legitimate representative of the people of Taiwan.
4. Prohibits restrictions on federal government official interactions with counterparts in the Government of Taiwan.
5. Taiwan Symbols of Sovereignty. Not to be construed as entailing restoration of diplomatic relations with Taiwan or altering the U.S. position on Taiwan’s international status, directs the Secretary of State to rescind administrative guidance that inhibits Taiwanese officials from displaying symbols of Taiwanese sovereignty, including the flag of the Republic of China.
6. Designation and References to Taiwan Representative Office. Establishes de facto diplomatic treatment for Taiwan equivalent to other foreign governments. Directs the Secretary of State to negotiate the renaming of the “Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office” to the “Taiwan Representative Office” and adjust all references accordingly.
7. Senate Confirmation of the Director of the Taipei Office of the American Institute in Taiwan. Requires Senate confirmation for the Director of the American Institute in Taiwan’s (Taipei office) and bestows the title “Representative” for such office.

The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT)

The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) is a non-profit, private corporation established shortly after the United States Government changed its diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing on January 1, 1979. The Taiwan Relations Act (PL 96-8) of April 10, 1979, authorized the continuation of “commercial, cultural and other relations between the people of the United States and the people on Taiwan.” It also provided that “any programs, transactions, or other relations conducted or carried out by the President or any Agency of the United States Government with respect to Taiwan shall, in the manner and to the extent directed by the President, be conducted and carried out by or through the American Institute in Taiwan.” The Department of State, through a contract with the Institute, provides a large part of AIT’s funding and guidance in its operations. Congress, in passing the Taiwan Relations Act, also assumed an oversight role with respect to the Institute’s operations.

AIT’s Taipei Main Office with a total staff of over 550 people undertakes a wide range of activities representing U.S. interests, including commercial services, agricultural sales, consular services and cultural exchanges.