The China Post
Date: September 14, 2016
By: Joseph Yeh
TAIPEI, Taiwan — Outgoing American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Chairman Raymond Burghardt called
Outgoing American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Chairman Raymond Burghardt is pictured during an interview with The China Post in Taipei, Tuesday, Sept. 13. (Joseph Yeh, The China Post)
on both Taiwan and Mainland China to show “creativity and flexibility” in solving the current cross-strait impasse, during an interview Tuesday with The China Post,
The AIT represents U.S. interests in Taiwan in the absence of official ties.
Burghardt, who is visiting Taiwan for the last time in his capacity as AIT chair, said both Taipei and Beijing had shown “patience” in terms of cross-strait relations.
However, referencing remarks made by the AIT’s Director during a media roundtable in June, Burghardt said, “I think probably there is still a need for the other two things we called for, ‘flexibility and creativity.'” Relations between Taipei and Beijing have cooled since the election of President Tsai Ing-wen in May.
Tsai’s recognition of the existence of a “1992 meeting,” but not necessarily a “1992 Consensus,” in her inaugural speech has reduced Beijing’s willingness to openly engage with the new government. [FULL STORY]
