The US Department of State has asked for an increase of US$16 million in next year’s budget for the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT).
The increase is intended to account for an expected loss of revenues when Taiwan qualifies for the US’ visa-waiver program (VWP), and the AIT is no longer able to charge visa for visits to the US.
As a result, the AIT budget is expected to rise to US$37 million next year, up from US$21 million this year.
The figures were released on Monday as part of the department’s budget request for fiscal 2013.
While US President Barack Obama’s overall election year budget is expected to be highly controversial on Capitol Hill, the request for extra money for the AIT is expected to be approved.
The budget document says that the AIT fosters strong, but unofficial ties between the US and Taiwan and that “this responsibility is more important than ever.”
“AIT serves as the advocate to Taiwan authorities for US political, economic and security interests and analyzes and reports on political and economic events critical to the US,” it said.
“AIT serves as the platform for significant bilateral military, law enforcement and intelligence cooperation and facilitates significant US arms sales to Taiwan,” it said.
In recent years, visa processing fees have generated about US$19 million annually and most of this will be lost as Taiwan moves toward acceptance in the VWP.
“Taiwan’s entry into the VWP is among the United States’ top priority goals for its relations with Taiwan,” the budget request said.
The visa fees have been used to pay rent, utilities and other operating costs.
The Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association has cautioned Japanese travelers to be vigilant against pickpockets at several popular tourist spots in Taiwan, including Taipei’s night markets, the Yongkang Street area, Zhongshan MRT Station, and Jiufen (九份) in New Taipei City. The advisory, titled “Recent Development of Concerns,” was posted on the association’s Web site under its safety and emergency report section. It urges travelers to keep backpacks fully zipped and carried in front, with valuables placed at the bottom of the bag. Visitors are advised to be especially mindful of their belongings when taking photos or speaking on the phone, avoid storing wallets and
ENDORSING TAIWAN: Honduran presidential candidate Nasry Afura said that Honduras was ‘100 times better off’ when it was allied with Taipei The Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday said it would explore the possibility of restoring diplomatic relations with Honduras based on the principle of maintaining national interests and dignity. The ministry made the remarks in response to reporters’ questions regarding an article titled: “Will Taiwan Regain a Diplomatic Ally?” published in The Diplomat on Saturday. The article said Honduras’ presidential election in November could offer Taiwan the chance to regain an ally, as multiple candidates have promoted re-establishing diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Honduras severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan in March 2023 in favor of Beijing, but since switching its diplomatic recognition,
Scoot announced yesterday that starting in October, it would increase flights between Taipei and Japan’s Narita airport and Hokkaido, and between Singapore and Taipei. The low-cost airline, a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, also said it would launch flights to Chiang Rai in Thailand, Okinawa and Tokyo’s Haneda airport between December and March next year. Flights between Singapore and Chiang Rai would begin on Jan. 1, with five flights per week operated by an Embraer E190-E2 aircraft, Scoot said. Flights between Singapore and Okinawa would begin on Dec. 15, with three flights per week operated by Airbus A320 aircraft, the airline said. Services between Singapore
A fourth public debate was held today about restarting the recently decommissioned Ma-anshan Nuclear Power Plant, ahead of a referendum on the controversial issue to be held in less than two weeks. A referendum on Aug. 23 is to ask voters if they agree that “the Ma-anshan Nuclear Power Plant should continue operations upon approval by the competent authority and confirmation that there are no safety concerns.” Anyone over 18 years of age can vote in the referendum. The vote comes just three months after its final reactor shut down, officially making Taiwan nuclear-free. Taiwan People’s Party Chairman Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌) represented
RSS