US Secretary of State John Kerry has reiterated American support for Taiwan in a response to a letter from Congressman Gerry Connolly.
The letter from Connolly contained written questions about the Taiwan Relations Act, the framework for the unofficial US-Taiwan relationship which was enacted 36 years ago.
In his response to the letter, Kerry said Taiwan is an important part of the United States’ Asia-Pacific strategy and “pivot” to Asia. He said Taiwan is the United States’ tenth largest trading partner and is an important security partner as well.
Kerry said the US will continue to deepen trade and investment ties with Taiwan through the US-Taiwan Trade and Investment Framework Agreement. He also said the US continues to welcome Taiwan’s interest in joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
In his response, Kerry said the US and Taiwan will continue to work together towards the goals of regional economic integration and increased trade and investment through APEC.
Connolly’s letter and Kerry’s response come as 23 members of the US Congress have voiced their support for the Taiwan Relations Act through letters to Taiwanese officials including President Ma Ying-jeou.