About our US/Taiwan news
Latest news on US/Taiwan international relations, including breaking updates on financial aid, treaties, trade, and military assistance.
Following the Chinese Civil War and the establishment of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in 1949, the Republic of China (ROC) government, led by the Kuomintang, retreated to Taiwan. The US, recognising the strategic importance of Taiwan during the Cold War, became a key ally and provided support to the ROC. For several decades the US maintained formal diplomatic relations with the ROC government in Taiwan. However, in 1979 the US switched its recognition to the People's Republic of China in Beijing while simultaneously enacting the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA). The TRA established a framework for unofficial relations with Taiwan and provided for the continued support and defence of Taiwan. Since then, the US-Taiwan relations have been characterised by robust unofficial exchanges and cooperation in various fields including trade, investment, culture, and security. The US has supported Taiwan's participation in international organisations albeit under the name 'Chinese Taipei' due to the One-China policy.
The US has increased its engagement with Taiwan following The Taiwan Policy Act of 2013 expressing support for its democracy, human rights, and security. The US has also expanded economic ties and arms sales to Taiwan agreeing to the sale of arms deals in 2015 under the Obama Administration and notably the sale of Abrams Main Battle Tanks in 2019 under the Trump Administration. High-level visits and exchanges between US and Taiwanese officials have become more frequent, reflecting the deepening relationship, with three congressional delegations visiting Taiwan in 2022 alone.
The relationship between Taiwan and the US remains sensitive due to China's territorial claims over Taiwan. China strongly opposes any official interactions between the US and Taiwan considering it a violation of its sovereignty. The US has stepped in several times to ensure Taiwanese security against the PRC, notably in the Taiwan Strait Crises of 1954–1955, 1958, and 1995–1996.