Former US secretary of defense William Cohen confirmed Tuesday that he has agreed to serve as chairman of the US-Taiwan Business Council.
If all goes smoothly, Cohen said, he will assume the new post in January 2003, replacing Frank Carlucci.
News about Cohen possibly taking up the post was first reported early this month, but the council didn't confirm the report at the time.
While attending a meeting at the Foreign Press Club on Tuesday, Cohen confirmed for the first time that he has agreed to take up the post.
Cohen, who served as defense secretary during the Clinton administration, said first lady Wu Shu-chen's (吳淑珍) visit to the US does not represent a change in the US policy toward the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.
In his view, Cohen said, the Bush administration will continue upholding the "one China" policy and implementing the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) in dealing with cross-strait affairs.
He said Taiwan-China relations have become ever closer due to increased commercial exchanges. Cohen said he is convinced the two sides of the Strait will be able to find peaceful means to resolve their disputes.
The US-Taiwan Business Council was established in 1976 and aims to develop trade and business relationships between the US and Taiwan. The council was involved in the drafting and passing of the TRA in 1979, and it is recognized by both governments and business leaders as a key organization in fostering unofficial relations between the US and Taiwan. The council serves as a spokesman in dealing with business and trade matters.
RSS