US recommits to a changing Taiwan
TAIPEI - The United States dedicated the grounds for a new representative office in Taiwan yesterday, making a visible commitment to the island at a time its rapidly improving ties with longtime foe China are diminishing US influence.
Construction of the new $170 million American Institute in Taiwan - the de facto embassy since Washington switched recognition to Beijing 30 years ago - is meant to underscore continuing US interest in what was once a key ally, but has since become something of a strategic afterthought.
The highest profile Taiwanese official on hand was the National Security Council head, Su Chi, the main architect of Taiwan’s ambitious China opening.
In his 13 months in office Taiwan’s president, Ma Ying-jeou, has moved decisively to upgrade economic and political ties with China, lessening tensions across the Taiwan Strait, and mending a split that dates to the Chinese civil war 60 years ago.
That has raised questions of whether the US is being left behind in an area where it had a vital stake during the Cold War.
Speaking at yesterday’s dedication, American Institute in Taiwan director Stephen Young emphasized the common values between the United States and Taiwan, while ignoring the delicate question of Taiwan’s China ties and its meaning for Washington.
Close Taiwan-American ties “are embodied in . . . our shared embrace of democracy and the free market,’’ he said.
Since taking power last May, Ma has jettisoned the more China-wary policies of his predecessors and instead moved the economies ever closer together and mooted the possibility of a peace treaty between the sides.
Officially, Washington says that improving relations between Taiwan and China are a plus for the United States. 