Taiwanese Ambassador Discusses US-Taiwanese Relations at Elliott School

By Alex Nowakowski

Last Friday, October 8^th, Ambassador Pu-Tsung King of the Republic of China (Taiwan) discussed the future and past of American-Taiwanese relations. The event was hosted by the Elliott School’s Sigur Center for Asian Studies.

Ambassador Pu-Tsung King began his discussion by touching on the shared history between the United States and Taiwan. He pointed out that the two nations have been strong allies and that Taiwan shares the same values of “freedom, democracy, rule of law, economic liberty.” But the ambassador pointed out that this relationship has been shaky in moments in the past.

He alluded to the United States severing of relations with Taiwan on Janurary 1, 1979 as a moment that shows that the “[US-Taiwanese] partnership can not be taken for granted.”

To further strengthen this partnership, Ambassador King outlined 5 key areas that should be addressed in the following years: augment political ties between Taiwan and the US, further coordinate responses when facing eminent global crises, such as global warming, economic ties, reinforce the two nations’ security partnership, and reduce tension in the East China Sea

The ambassador also discussed Taiwan’s future role in Asia as the United States shifts its foreign policy focus to the Pacific. He noted that the United States is not pushing for a containment policy in the region, but rather has supported the relaxing of tensions between Taiwan and China. Ambassador King said that the Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou has made relaxation of tensions with the People’s Republic of China a priority of his administration.

“Taiwan’s relationship with China has been the most peaceful and trustful in over 60 years,” said King.

When asked if Taiwanese leaders would meet with the Chinese government any time in the future, Ambassador King said that if the nation requires it, the people support it, and the two parties are recognized with equal status it may happen.

He also touched on the continued American support of Taiwan by discussing America’s help in expanding Taiwanese involvement in the international community and American military aid to Taiwan. Even though he pointed out the ties between the two nations, he also noted that the greatest danger to the relationship between Taiwan and the United States is complacency, and that the relationship demands constant attention.

“The future of the US-Taiwan relations has never looked brighter, but now is not the time to rest on our values.”