BFF-43 US unveils ‘milestone’ new de facto embassy in Taiwan

268

ZCZC

BFF-43

TAIWAN-US-CHINA-POLITICS

US unveils ‘milestone’ new de facto embassy in Taiwan

TAIPEI, June 12, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – The United States on Tuesday unveiled a
new $255 million de facto embassy in Taiwan in what was hailed as a
“milestone” in relations, as the self-ruled island comes under increasing
pressure from China.

Donald Trump’s administration is moving to strengthen ties with Taiwan in
the face of China’s diplomatic moves and military threats.

In March, after Trump approved new rules allowing top US officials to
travel to the island, Beijing called on Washington to “correct its mistake”.

But the US sent an assistant secretary of state for the unveiling, a visit
less likely to unnerve China which was concerned that higher-level officials
may attend.

The US switched diplomatic recognition to China in 1979 but maintains
close economic, political and security ties with Taiwan. It manages its
relations through the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT).

Marie Royce, assistant secretary of state for educational and cultural
affairs, attended the dedication ceremony with Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-
wen.

“AIT’s new home is both a tangible symbol that reflects the strength of
our ties and a state-of-the-art facility that will make possible even greater
cooperation for years to come,” said Royce, the wife of pro-Taiwan
congressman and House foreign affairs committee chairman Ed Royce.

AIT chairman James Moriarty called the new complex a “milestone” in the
US-Taiwan relationship and a “testament to the strong US commitment to
Taiwan”.

Tsai hailed the complex as a new chapter in the “great story of US-Taiwan
relations”.

China and Taiwan have been ruled separately since 1949 but Beijing views
the island as a renegade province awaiting reunification, by force if
necessary.

It bars Taiwan from membership in the United Nations and many other
international organisations and has been luring away the island’s remaining
diplomatic allies.

Since Tsai came to power two years ago, Beijing has cut contact with her
government because Taipei refuses to acknowledge that Taiwan is part of “one
China”.

Beijing officials have described intensified Chinese military drills near
the island as a warning against any moves to assert its sovereignty.

While Taiwan’s relationship with the US is essential to its security, it
must also guard against provoking China, its biggest military threat but also
the dominant market for the island’s export-driven economy.

BSS/AFP/FI/ 1422 hrs