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TAIWAN-US-CHINA-POLITICS-SECURITY
US committment to Taiwan security ‘rock-solid’: ex-official
TAIPEI, April 15, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – The United States commitment to
Taiwan’s security remains “rock-solid,” a former top-ranking US official said
Monday, as the two sides commemorated the 40th anniversary of legislation
guaranteeing US support for the island.
The laws passed by the US congress in 1979 required Washington to provide
Taiwan with means of self-defence even as the United States switched
diplomatic recognition to Beijing.
Former US House speaker Paul Ryan led the delegation to the island this
week, which included congressmen and senior officials, to mark the
anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act alongside Taiwan’s
president Tsai Ing-wen.
Since the legislation was passed, Washington has remained Taipei’s most
powerful unofficial ally and its leading arms supplier. It manages its
relations through the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT).
“Ours is a friendship grounded in history, shared values, and our common
embrace of democracy, free markets, the rule of law, religious freedom and
human rights,” Ryan said at a ceremony at AIT’s new office complex in Taipei.
“And our commitment to Taiwan’s security remains rock solid.”
He hailed the 40th anniversary of the legislation as a “tremendous
milestone” in US-Taiwan relations.
Ryan, 49, was the most powerful Republican in Congress when he served as
speaker from October 2015 to January 2019. He currently holds no government
position.
“Our security cooperation contributes to regional peace and stability
across the Indo-Pacific region,” added US de facto ambassador to Taiwan Brent
Christensen.
Chinese military aircraft, including Su-30 and J-11 fighter jets, flew
over the waters off southern Taiwan earlier Monday in the latest of a recent
string of military drills around the island.
In response, President Tsai accused China of “challenging stability in the
Taiwan Strait”.
Donald Trump’s administration has sought to strengthen ties with Taiwan.
It announced plans last year to sell it $330 million spare parts for several
aircraft including the F-16 fighter and the C-130 cargo plane.
Trump also signed legislation paving the way for mutual visits by top
officials and the US government approved a licence required to sell submarine
technology to Taiwan.
US warships periodically conduct “freedom of navigation” exercises in the
Taiwan Strait, the narrow waterway separating the Chinese mainland and
Taiwan, which prompt anger in Beijing.
China has stepped up military and diplomatic pressure on Taiwan amid
worsening ties since Tsai came to power in May 2016, as she has refused to
acknowledge Beijing’s claim that Taiwan is part of “one China.”
BSS/AFP/BZC/2020HRS