G L O B A L B R I E F I N G R E P O RT TA I WA N C I V I L G O V E R N M E N T B R A N D E D S T O RY
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→ be time to revisit the “One China” policy, which has driven the USTaiwanese relationship since the 1970’s and led to a position of “strategic ambiguity” for Taiwan. China believes Taiwan belongs to them and is pursuing its policy of “One Country, Two Systems,” in effect claiming sovereignty over Taiwan. This policy was used in the takeover of Hong Kong to arguably negative results. It is not in the interests of either the United States, nor its allies in the G20 to see China take over Taiwan now or in the future. Further complicating matters was the recent overwhelming victory of the pro-China KMT party in Taiwan’s mid-term elections last fall and the prospect of the KMT taking over the presidency in next year’s election. One way to combat this pro-China shift is to establish an enhanced trading relationship with Taiwan or even better, a free trade agreement. A recent report entitled, “A Golden Opportunity for a US-Taiwan Free G20G7.COM
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The U.S. has a vital interest in cross-strait stability, and that can only be assured if the people of Taiwan believe they will not be overwhelmed economically by Beijing.
Trade Agreement,” written by Daniel Blumenthal and Michael Mazza for the Project 49 Institute, makes the following argument for an FTA: The U.S. has a vital interest in cross-strait stability, and that can only be assured if the people of Taiwan believe they will not be overwhelmed economically by Beijing. An FTA with the United States would signal that Taiwan has many economic options, and open the door for other countries to follow suit. Taiwan’s current and
future political leaders would find that an FTA allowed them to engage with Beijing, and with the broader international community, from a position of greater strength. The Taiwan Civil Government (TCG), an advocacy group under the leadership of Dr. Roger Lin, fully supports such an agreement with the United States, and the EU. With over 40,000 members, the Taiwan Civil Government is a pro-US and pro-West organization that promotes selfdetermination for the Taiwanese people. The TCG does not support the “One Country, Two Systems” policy of China and is pursuing closer ties with the United States. With the pivotal presidential election in Taiwan on the horizon and China exerting increased influence in Taiwan, the time for a free trade agreement is now. ◆ Editor’s Note These materials are distributed by Global Vision Communications on behalf of the Taiwan Civil Government. More information can be found at the U.S. Justice Department.