The year 2024 marks the 45th anniversary of the legislation of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA). To commemorate this important historical moment and looking forward to the future of U.S.-Taiwan-China trilateral relations, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles (TECO-LA), the Asia Pacific Center (APC) and the Burkle Center for International Relations (BCIR) of the University of California in Los Angeles, UCLA, held the "Forum on US-Taiwan-China Trilateral Relations: Commemorating the 45th Anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act." The forum was held near the well-known art exhibition space near the LACMA - "Studio of Stefan Simchowitz and Rosi Riedl" in the evening of June 5th. Panelist Professor Minxin Pei, an internationally renowned expert on Cross-Strait issues, and Professor David Kang, director of the Center for International Studies and Korea Studies Institute at the University of Southern California (USC), joined the forum and analyzed the past, present, and future of Taiwan-U.S.-China relations.
Mr. Amino Chi, Director General of TECO-LA, said in his welcome speech that the TRA has been the cornerstone of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and a catalyst for extensive commercial, cultural, and other exchanges between Taiwan and the United States since its implementation in 1979. As Taiwan thanks the United States for its support over the past 45 years, we will continue to strengthen the cooperation with other like-minded countries to ensure regional peace, stability, and prosperity. We also respectfully urge the U.S. government to continuously support Taiwan in resolving the issue of double taxation promptly to boost bilateral investment and industrial collaboration. In addition, Director General Chi pointed out that China has intensified its misinterpretation of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, falsely claiming that it resolves the representation of Taiwan within the UN and other international bodies. China's erroneous linkage of this resolution with its "One China Principle" aims to create the illusion that the resolution confirms Taiwan as part of China. Therefore, we thank U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Mark Lambert for clarifying that Resolution 2758 does not preclude Taiwan's participation in the UN and other international organizations in a Senate hearing. Looking ahead, we are committed to working closely with the United States to develop a rock-solid partnership. Together, we will face future challenges, uphold peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and advance our shared values and interests.
At the forum, Professor Minxin Pei and Professor David Kang reviewed the impact of the TRA since its inception in 1979. They traced the historical context of U.S.-Taiwan-China relations, analyzed the current international situation, and offered insights and projections for Taiwan's future. The attendees actively participated in the discussion, posing numerous questions and contributing to a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.
More than 50 attendees from the Los Angeles Consular Corps, elected officials, media representatives, business and Taiwanese community leaders joined the forum and enjoyed Taiwanese cuisine.
