Taiwan-U.S. relations are going from strength to strength based on the shared values of freedom, democracy and human rights, according to Vice President Chen Chien-jen May 31.
As Taiwan’s closest partner, the U.S. stood side by side with the nation as it underwent liberalization and democratization, Chen said. Going forward, it is anticipated that Taiwan and the U.S. will continue to expand substantive collaboration and work in tandem to promote peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, he added.
The vice president made the remarks during his address at the launch of an exhibition on bilateral ties organized by the American Institute in Taiwan at the National 228 Memorial Museum in Taipei City.
Titled “Strong Foundation, Bright Future: AIT@40 U.S.-Taiwan Relations Since 1979,” the event comprises hundreds of artifacts, documents, interviews and photos, as well as augmented and virtual reality presentations, showcasing the institute’s role and history. It will run at the museum until Sept. 30 and is scheduled to tour venues around the country in 2019 to mark AIT’s upcoming 40-year anniversary.
According to the vice president, the U.S. has consistently demonstrated its steadfast commitment to strengthening exchanges, citing recent examples such as the promulgation of the Taiwan Travel Act in March, Taiwan joining the U.S. Global Entry program last year, as well as ongoing collaboration under the Taiwan-U.S. Global Cooperation and Training Framework.
Chen said that the U.S. has also shown strong support for the nation’s meaningful international participation, such as when U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex M. Azar spoke at this year’s World Health Assembly—the decision-making body of the World Health Organization—conveying disappointment that Taiwan was not invited to attend as an observer.
A major upcoming milestone in bilateral ties is the June 12 official launch of the new AIT complex in Taipei’s Neihu District, Chen noted. This headquarters symbolizes the firm U.S. commitment to Taiwan and will help facilitate a new era of enhanced cooperation and exchanges, he said.
Echoing the vice president’s remarks, AIT Director Kin Moy said that in 1979, no one could have foreseen the ways in which U.S.-Taiwan relations would flourish. “There is now more cooperation than ever before in our history.”
The exhibition shows not only how Taiwan and the U.S. have built a strong foundation for bilateral relations, but also looks ahead to the vibrant cooperation that will continue between the people of both sides, he said. (KWS-E)
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