US-Taiwan friendship still strong

The US and Taiwan have a long history of friendship. Indeed, the two countries concluded a mutual defense treaty in 1954 and were allies during the darkest days of the Cold War. The alliance was maintained until 1979, when Washington broke diplomatic relations with Taipei in an effort to line up Beijing in its global struggle against Moscow.

Some speculate that the US administrations in the 1970s figured that the "Taiwan problem" would eventually disappear and believed the island would be absorbed by China. That didn't happen. Rather than die, Taiwan blossomed into an economic powerhouse and a multiparty democracy. Consequently, the relationship between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait continues to be a major issue in global politics.

Perhaps surprising, America's relationship with Taiwan remains strong. In fact, there have been meaningful changes in both political and security relations since 1979.

The US still does not officially recognize Taiwan. But there has been a significant modification in the political relationship. For example, high-level contacts between Washington and Taipei have resumed. Both former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) and President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) were permitted to visit the US. The Chen visit was especially significant because he was allowed to meet with many US government officials. Subsequently, visits by other Taiwanese dignitaries have occurred.

Another change in recent years has been the upgrading of Taiwan's "unofficial" representative offices in the US.

The vague and obscure designation that was used for many years has been jettisoned. More-over, Taiwanese officials may enter US government buildings to meet with their US counterparts. Furthermore, the "unofficial" US embassy in Taipei may now fly the American flag and incumbent diplomats may take up posts in Taipei.

Yet another political change is related to US policy toward the future of Taiwan. Rather than stress that a resolution of the Taiwan-China dispute must be settled by the Chinese themselves (which means the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait), the US now emphasizes that any change in Taiwan's status must be approved by the Taiwanese people.

It is not clear if this means that a change must be approved by a referendum, but this is an interesting development.

With respect to security ties, the US promised China that it would gradually reduce arms sales to Taiwan in 1982. But arms transfers have escalated. In 1992, then-president George Bush ap-proved the sale of 150 F16 fighters to Taiwan. And the Clinton administration approved the sale of tanks, missiles, helicopters, the Patriot anti-missile system, warships and other armaments. The current administration has ap-proved new warships, submarine killer aircraft and promised to help Taiwan buy eight submarines.

In addition, Washington has cancelled the annual review of arms sales, which had degenerated into an annual quarrel with Beijing. Arms will now be sold to Taiwan on a case-by-case basis.

Another in security relations involves military contacts and cooperation between the two sides. US military teams are now being sent to Taiwan to observe military exercises. In a related vein, high-ranking Tai-wanese military officials travel to the US to discuss defense issues. And Congress has passed laws calling for the Bush administration to study the possibility of conducting joint military exercises with Taiwan and to treat Taiwan as a non-NATO ally, just like Japan and South Korea.

Perhaps important is the US commitment to Taiwan's defense. Many describe the US defense commitment toward Taiwan as ambiguous. But in April 2001, President George W. Bush stunned the world when he was asked if the US had an obligation to defend Taiwan. Bush replied, "We do, and the Chinese must understand." Then, when asked in a follow-up question if this meant with the full force of the US military, the president replied that the US would do "whatever it takes" to help Taiwan defend itself.

To be sure, the US and Taiwan have moved closer together. Some claim that US-Taiwan relations have never been better. But will we see more changes in US-Taiwan relations? The answer to that question is "yes." People in Taiwan want to upgrade the names of their representative offices. This will eventually hap-pen. Also, expect to see more high-ranking US officials visiting Taiwan and more Taiwanese military officers coming to the US to study.

And will certainly see the US become increasingly supportive of Taiwan's membership in the World Health Organization. After all, no reasonable person can oppose Taiwan's participation in this world body. So, it is likely that bilateral ties will continue to strengthen in the future. After all, this has been the trend for over two decades.

Dennis Hickey is university fellow in research and professor of political science at Southwest Missouri State University.