Commentary

Taiwan VWP candidacy represents US strategic reassurance

(CNA photos)

• Publication Date：12/25/2011
• Source： Taiwan Today
• By  Chen I-hsin

The American Institute in Taiwan announced Dec. 22 that the U.S. Department of State agreed to put Taiwan on the visa waiver program candidate list. This move affirms that Washington is offering strategic reassurance to Taipei.

Although VWP listed, Taiwan still needs to pass in country inspections by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security before getting the green light for visa-free travel. If this occurs, ROC citizens can save around NT$4,000 in visa application fees and enjoy more convenient travel to the U.S.

When delivering a speech at the East-West Center in Hawaii Nov. 10, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Taiwan is an important security and economic partner for the U.S., adding that both countries have a solid and strong relationship. Clinton’s remarks are considered the most significant strategic reassurance given to Taipei since U.S. President Barack Obama took office.

But strategic reassurance cannot be an empty promise. What matters is how this progresses from a verbal assurance into actual policy.

Over the past three months, U.S. Department of Energy Deputy Minister Daniel Poneman, U.S. Agency for International Development Rajiv Shah and U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce Suresh Kumar all paid visits to Taiwan. When viewed in light of the country’s VWP candidacy, these developments represent the Obama administration’s strong desire to strengthen the Taiwan-U.S. partnership.

Of course, strategic reassurance is not a one-way street. Taiwan must respond in kind, delivering further progress in improving cross-strait relations and policies specific to the U.S.

Taiwan should also import more U.S. agricultural and medical products, enhance the enforcement of intellectual property rights and further liberalize its economy to capitalize on new opportunities stemming from enhanced bilateral ties.

More importantly, peaceful cross-strait relations allow Washington to focus its attention on other parts of the world, guaranteeing it can respond quickly to new developments in places such as the Korean peninsula.

Chen I-hsin is a professor at Graduate School of the Americas, Tamkang University. These views are the author’s and not necessarily those of Taiwan Today. Copyright © 2011 by Chen I-hsin

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