U.S.-Taiwan-China Relations: Setting the Stage for a Triple Win

The World Affairs Council presents a discussion by His Excellency Jason Yuan on the complicated relationships between the three governments and where they are going from here.

His Excellency Jason Yuan
Taiwan's Representative to the US from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO)

In the 50 years that have passed since the conclusion of the Chinese Civil War, the political remnants of the conflict have had an inestimable impact on world affairs. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) that began on the mainland under Mao Zedong has established itself as a major global power. Meanwhile, on the island of Taiwan, the opposing government -- operating under the name of the Republic of China -- has doggedly clung to its independence.

Like most governments throughout the world, the United States has official diplomatic relations with mainland China rather than Taiwan. But the relationship between the U.S. and the island nation remains close. Under the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, the United States supplies Taiwan with articles of defense to ensure that the nation can protect itself. The same legislation also requires that Taiwan receive the same treatment under American law as other countries, despite its disputed sovereignty.

Questions surrounding Taiwan and China often play into American foreign policy debates. Certainly America’s national security interests are affected by the tremendous economic, diplomatic, and military power of China. Yet many also argue that our ideals are at stake in standing up for Taiwanese autonomy.

His Excellency Jason Yuan, Taiwan’s Representative to the U.S. from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office, holds a diplomatic post analogous to being the country’s ambassador to the United States. The Los Angeles World Affairs Council is delighted to host him for a discussion about the complicated relationships between these three governments and where they’re going from here.

Represenative Yuan has previously served as Taiwan’s represenative to Canada, as well as the country’s ambassador to Panama. From 1998 to 2003, he served as the Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles. Please join us to hear his fascinating insights into this dynamic and important region of the world.