President Ma welcomes US commitment to the Taiwan Relations

President Ma welcomes US commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act

Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou said he was encouraged by continuing U.S. adherence to the Taiwan Relations Act, which requires Washington to provide Taipei with arms sufficient for self-defense.

“We are delighted with comments by U.S. President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton reaffirming Washington’s commitment to the TRA,” Ma said Jan. 25. “The two U.S. arms sales to Taiwan last year are in line with the act.”

Ma made the remarks during a meeting with American Institute in Taiwan Chairman Raymond F. Burghardt, who arrived in Taipei City Jan. 23 on a four-day briefing visit following talks between Obama and Chinese Communist Party General-Secretary Hu Jintao.

In addition, Ma reiterated Taiwan’s hope to acquire F-16 C/D fighters and diesel-electric submarines from the U.S. as soon as possible. “The procurement is to replace aging weapons and maintain our self-defense capability rather than a military buildup.”

In response, Burghardt promised the U.S. will consider the merits of the sale and announce its decision at an appropriate moment.

On the issue of cross-strait relations, Ma welcomed Obama’s recognition of warming Taipei-Beijing ties. “Expanded cross-strait exchanges following implementation of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement are in the interest of the region and the U.S.”

The U.S. has always supported peaceful development across the strait and encouraged both sides to increase dialogues in economic, political and other fields, Burghardt said. Political talks are not necessarily meant to address sovereignty issues; they can also cover such matters as Taiwan’s international space, he added.

Ma said he expects Taiwan-U.S. relations to continue going from strength to strength, and looks forward to both sides resuming talks under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement. He also reiterated Taiwan’s desire to make headway on signing an extradition agreement and being included in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

ENDS

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