•Publication Date：08/08/2014
•Source： Taiwan Today
President Ma Ying-jeou said Aug. 7 that Taiwan-U.S. relations are going from strength and vowed to continue boosting bilateral exchanges across the board.
“This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act,” Ma said. “The government appreciates the support and commitment by the U.S. under this landmark legislation.”
Ma made the remarks while receiving U.S. Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, at the Presidential Office in Taipei City. McKeon was in Taiwan on a two-day visit at the head of a congressional delegation touring East Asia.
According to the president, Taiwan-U.S. trade reached US$63.5 billion last year, a number that stands to significantly increase if both sides can fast-track negotiations of a bilateral investment agreement.
Taiwan’s membership of regional trade blocs like the Trans-Pacific Partnership and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership is also a priority for the government. “We are committed to seeking greater trade liberalization and stepping up efforts to create the necessary conditions for our TPP and RCEP accession.”
In addition to economic exchanges, Ma said the U.S. sold US$18.3 billion in weapons to Taiwan over the past six years, including AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, P-3C Orion antisubmarine aircraft and F-16 A/B fighter aircraft upgrades. “Taiwan also needs diesel-electric submarines to further enhance the defensive capability of its armed forces.”
In terms of international relations, the president said Taiwan will continue playing the role of peacemaker and provider of humanitarian aid. This ensures the global community views Taiwan an asset rather than a liability, he added.
Ma said this commitment to regional peace and stability is underscored by improving cross-strait relations since he took office in May 2008, as well as the East China Sea Peace Initiative he proposed in August 2012.
In response, McKeon said Taiwan’s peaceful approach to resolving disputes with Japan and the Philippines serves as a good example for the rest of the world. “We hope our visit will help expand two-way collaboration and deepen bilateral relations.”
