Forum Explores New Road Map for Taiwan
Strong U.S. – Taiwan Relationship is Vital
The Formosa Foundation joined the American Enterprise Institute in Rosemead, Californian to co-host “A Road Map for US-Taiwan Relations: Strengthening Freedom in Asia” forum, featuring Dan Blumenthal, resident fellow at AEI and Randall Schriver, founding partner of Armitage International and a senior associate at the Center for Strategic and International  Studies. More than 100 people turned out to join the discussion which focused on strengthening the relationship between U.S. and Taiwan.
Blumenthal and Schriver’s presentation was based on a report put forth by the Taiwan Policy Working Group, in which the two are co-directors. The report contains a set of recommendations for both the U.S. and Taiwan governments that would bolster Taiwan’s democratic developments, enhance US interests in the Asia Pacific region and contribute to the long-term stability of the region. Both speakers encouraged American citizens and Taiwan supporters to take direct action to urge Washington and Taipei to adopt these recommendations.
Schriver stated that supporters of Taiwan should focus on realistic and practical actions that can deliver results, and build as much consensus as possible with different groups. He advised Taiwan to set aside the status issue and instead focus on enhancing Taiwan’s international profile through practical means. He recommended that Taiwan start by promoting its image thereby reminding the international community of the contributions Taiwan is already making to the world -- its vibrant democratic system, advanced technological developments, thousands of NGO activities, top medical research and system and extensive humanitarian activities.
Blumenthal stressed that as Taiwan’s strongest ally, the U.S. should work to promote Taiwan’s international profile. “Taiwan needs to broadcast its good points to the world with the help from the United States” said Blumenthal. He pointed out that due to China’s blockade, Taiwan’s medical advances and humanitarian aid are not well known. Taiwan requires U.S. assistance in order to reach the world. The relationship is vital to both sides and benefits the world as Taiwan plays the role of a responsible citizen.
With the rise of China, both Blumenthal and Schriver emphasized the importance of a strong U.S.-Taiwan relation. They were worried by the strained relationship between the U.S. and Taiwan in the past few years. Blumenthal said that “there needs to be more faith and confidence in Taiwan’s democracy.”
Both speakers disagreed with the freeze from Washington on the defensive arms sales package to Taiwan. Schriver emphasized that the White House should quickly act to let Congress pass and complete the arms package deal. Blumenthal agreed that “the U.S. should do all it can to help Taiwan defend itself.”
Blumenthal and Schriver urged Washington to disconnect its Taiwan policy from its China policy to the greatest extent possible. They noted that too often US policy towards Taiwan is structured in deference to China’s possible reactions, when in reality it hurts the US to sacrifice its allies in exchange for China’s soft yet unproven power over North Korea in counter-proliferation issues.
Schriver underscored that it is in China’s interest for the U.S. and Taiwan to communicate directly, so the U.S. will be able to respond appropriately to Taiwanese concerns and political actions to better stabilize cross-strait relations.
Both speakers encouraged Taiwan supporters to urge the Democratic National Committee and the Republican National Committee to express their support for Taiwan in their party platforms. Top issues that require each committee to take a favorable position include:
- A free-trade agreement between the two countries.
- Support for Taiwan to join the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Approve the arms sales package to Taiwan as soon as possible.
- Restore high level visits and direct dialogues between the top elected leaders of Washington and Taipei.
The Taiwan Policy Working Group was convened in January 2007 to discuss the status of changing U.S.-Taiwan political, military, and economic relations. Co-chaired by AEI resident fellow Dan Blumenthal and Randall Schriver of Armitage International, the Taiwan Policy Working Group’s report identifies areas for enhanced bilateral and regional cooperation and for strengthening interests between Taiwan, its neighbors, and the United States. The Taiwan Policy Working Group groundbreaking report was created with a view towards capitalizing on the changes of governments in Taiwan and the United States.
The event was held on August 6, 2008, at the Double Tree Hotel in Rosemead, CA.
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