New Southbound Policy Portal

The new guidelines for U.S. public sector interactions with Taiwan counterparts are welcomed by the government and people, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs April 10.
 
Announced the day before by the U.S. Department of State, the guidelines liberalize contacts between the two sides in keeping with the spirit of the Taiwan Relations Act and Six Assurances, the MOFA said. The move further strengthens bilateral engagement and exchanges, as well as writes a new chapter in Taiwan-U.S. relations in the 42nd year of the TRA, the ministry added.
 
Based on this solid and successful foundation of cooperation, the MOFA said, Taiwan will continue pursuing a pragmatic approach towards deepening its enduring partnership with the U.S. under the principles of mutual trust and benefit.
 
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said “The new guidelines encouraging #US government agencies to engage with counterparts in #Taiwan are welcome. We’ll keep strengthening ties with other countries cherishing values like freedom, democracy & respect for human rights while serving as a force for good in the world.”
 
According to State Department spokesperson Ned Price, the guidelines reaffirm Taiwan’s standing as an important U.S. security and economic partner, a vibrant democracy and force for good in the world.
 
Signed into law in 1979, the TRA promotes substantive relations between Taiwan and the U.S. in the absence of official diplomatic ties. It also helps maintain peace, security and stability in the Western Pacific. (YCH-E)
 
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