In 1979, the United States changed its diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing. In the U.S.-P.R.C. Joint Communique that announced the change, the United States recognized the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government of China and acknowledged the Chinese position that there is but one China and Taiwan is part of China. The Joint Communique also stated that within this context the people of the United States will maintain cultural, commercial, and other unofficial relations with the people on Taiwan.
The United States does not support Taiwan independence. Maintaining strong, unofficial relations with Taiwan is a major U.S. goal, in line with the U.S. desire to further peace and stability in Asia. The 1979 Taiwan Relations Act provides the legal basis for the unofficial relationship between the U.S. and Taiwan, and enshrines the U.S. commitment to assisting Taiwan in maintaining its defensive capability. The United States insists on the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait differences and encourages dialogue to help advance such an outcome.
U.S. Assistance to Taiwan
The United States provides no development assistance to Taiwan.
Bilateral Economic Relations
U.S. commercial ties with Taiwan have been maintained and have expanded since 1979. Taiwan enjoys Export-Import Bank financing, Overseas Private Investment Corporation guarantees, normal trade relations status, and ready access to U.S. markets. The American Institute in Taiwan has been engaged in a series of trade discussions that have focused on protection of intellectual property rights and market access for U.S. goods and services. The United States and Taiwan have concluded a bilateral investment agreement and have signed a trade and investment framework agreement.
Taiwan's Membership in International Organizations
Taiwan and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the World Trade Organization, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, and Asian Development Bank; statehood is not a requirement for membership in these organizations. The United States supports Taiwan's meaningful participation in appropriate international organizations where its membership is not possible.
Bilateral Representation
The U.S. maintains unofficial relations with the people on Taiwan through the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), a private nonprofit corporation, which performs citizen and consular services similar to those at diplomatic posts. The Director of AIT is Christopher J. Marut; other principal officials are listed on AIT's site.
