The Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), enacted in 1979, forms the backbone of U.S.-Taiwan relations, outlining key provisions that govern this crucial relationship. One of the primary elements of the TRA is the establishment of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), a private corporation that performs many of the functions typically handled by U.S. embassies. The AIT in Taipei facilitates the ongoing unofficial relations between the United States and Taiwan, ensuring continuity in diplomatic and economic engagements despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties.
A significant provision of the TRA is the commitment of the United States to provide Taiwan with defense articles and services necessary for its self-defense. This commitment underscores the U.S. support for Taiwan’s security and stability, ensuring that Taiwan can maintain a sufficient self-defense capability against potential threats. The act’s language emphasizes the importance of enabling Taiwan to defend itself, reflecting a strategic interest in preserving peace and stability in the region.
Furthermore, the TRA articulates a clear U.S. policy to maintain the capacity to resist any forms of coercion or force that would threaten Taiwan’s security or its social and economic systems. This policy highlights the U.S. intention to deter aggression and support Taiwan’s autonomy in the face of external pressures, particularly from the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
A notable aspect of the TRA is its creation of “strategic ambiguity.” The act does not explicitly state whether the United States would intervene militarily if Taiwan were attacked by the PRC. This ambiguity serves as a deterrent, creating uncertainty for the PRC about the potential U.S. response to any military action against Taiwan. Since 2021, President Biden has reiterated on four occasions that the United States would defend Taiwan, though White House officials maintain that the official U.S. policy remains unchanged.
In the lead-up to Taiwan’s 2024 elections, a senior Biden Administration official clarified U.S. policy to PRC leader Xi Jinping, emphasizing opposition to any unilateral changes to the status quo and non-support for Taiwan independence. The U.S. stance encourages cross-Strait dialogue and peaceful resolution of differences, asserting that any resolution must be acceptable to the people on both sides of the Strait and free from coercion. This balanced approach underscores the U.S. commitment to stability and peace in the region while supporting Taiwan’s self-governance and security.
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