By Chia-Jen Ni

Translated By Millie Su

5 November 2008


Taiwan - TVBS News - Original Article (Mandarin)

After the president of the United States of America is newly elected, what concerns Taiwan the most is how the new administration will affect the geo-political relations between the U.S., China, and Taiwan. A think-tank from the American White House expressed that Obama will continue Bush’s policy twards Taiwan. Taiwan President, Ma Ying-Jeou needs to maintain communication with the Obama administration.

After Obama gained victory in the Presidential Election and successfully takes over the eight-year of Republican administration, the most relevant issue for Taiwan is Obama’s policy for Taiwan. Obama’s strategist of foreign affairs, Jeffrey Bader, points out that Obama is highly concerned about the relationship between the U.S. and Taiwan. Obama congratulated President Ma Ying-Jeou’s victory of winning presidency and also supports U.S. weaponry trade with Taiwan

Obama’s atrategist of foreign affairs, Jeffrey Bader, said, “Obama is supportive of President Ma Ying-Jeou. To reduce the political tension in Taiwan Strait and China, the Obama administration will continue to be supportive of offering sale of military weapons to Taiwan.”

However, Obama continues a reserved attitude about selling U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcons and submarines to Taiwan.

TVBS journalist, Ni Chia-Jen said, “After Obama comes to office, whether there will be any changes in the U.S.-Taiwan relationship, most people believe that Obama will continue Bush’s policy for Taiwan.”

Derek Mitchell, a senior research fellow in the Center of Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said, “The most important thing for President Ma Ying-Jeou is communicating and consulting with the U.S. No matter what President Ma will be doing in the future, the U.S. will always be involved, and we need to know his plans in advance. This communication channel is extremely important for the new administration.”

After Obama takes office, the relationship between Taiwan and Washington will become closer. However, the U.S. will continue to stand by the One-China Policy, the three Sino-U.S. Joint Communiques, and the Taiwan Relations Act. It will also objects to any changes in the current political situation in the Taiwan Strait. With the rise of China, the U.S. still needs China’s assistance for resolving foreign affairs with Iran, North Korea, and Sudan. Therefore, it is certain that the U.S. will not change its position regarding to its policy for Taiwan.