Representative Pu-tsung King's Welcome Message

The partnership between the peoples and governments of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the United States is as strong as ever. As the chief representative of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the United States, I believe the strength of that bond is predicated on the mutual appreciation of the freedom and equality all are born into. Taiwan and the United States share extensive ties, including robust security cooperation, diplomatic collaboration, bilateral trade and person-to-person contacts, but the most significant is the relationship that binds all free, democratic societies. To support and augment this relationship, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the website of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in the United States. Our mission is to represent the government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and to promote the longstanding friendship and mutually beneficial relations between Taiwan and the United States.

Despite - or perhaps because of - the unprecedented nature of today's global society, it is vitally important to promote person-to-person interaction and foster a sense of community between Taiwan and the United States. As the Republic of China (Taiwan) continues to establish itself as an international role model for the democratic process, TECRO seeks to cultivate relationships with the individuals, deepening and broadening the exchanges that compose the foundation of Taiwan-U.S. relations.

As a result, the United States recently decided to designate Taiwan into its Visa Waiver Program, allowing ROC passport-holders to remain in the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa. As a gesture of goodwill, the ROC government extended its own visa-waiver policy, allowing American passport-holders to stay up to 90 days in Taiwan without a visa.

Meanwhile, Taiwan continues to provide diplomatic leadership in the Asia-Pacific region. In recognition of the growing interest in natural resources located in the East China Sea, President Ma issued the East China Sea Peace Initiative, which called for the peaceful resolution of territorial disputes and shared resources through joint development. The initiative is based on the principle that while sovereignty is indivisible, resources can be shared, and through mutual cooperation the region may achieve long-lasting peace and economic stability.

With this greater stability and confidence, President Ma is also taking decisive action to increase Taiwan's competitiveness with policies advancing innovation, education, public health, a more robust justice system, strict anti-corruption measures, and a stronger economy for Taiwan.

On this website, you can learn about these issues and many others. I hope that you will use this site not just as a gateway to experience the many unique aspects of Taiwan's friendly, multicultural society, but also as a tool to pursue your passions, be it traveling abroad, teaching English, or learning Mandarin. The links along the left column serve as a first step to discover all that Taiwan has to offer as a government and as a destination. I encourage you to explore these resources and to learn more about our beautiful island and about the many opportunities available to those who visit Taiwan. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to let us know. We look forward to hearing from you and welcome you to Taiwan!

Pu-tsung King
Representative