Taipei Times
Date: May 06, 2018
By: Stacy Hsu / Staff reporter
Beijing’s increased pressure on Taiwan has raised concerns among observers in the
American Institute in Taiwan Chairman James Moriarty speaks in Washington on Oct. 13 last year. Photo: CNA
US, which could be the reason for the US Congress’ unanimous passage of the Taiwan Travel Act in March, American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Chairman James Moriarty said.
At a time of impressive growth in Taiwan-US ties, development in cross-strait relations over the past year has told a much less positive story, Moriarty said at a seminar, titled “The US and Taiwan: An Enduring Partnership,” at Stanford University on Thursday.
“Observers in the US, both outside and inside the government, including a broad spectrum of members of Congress, are deeply troubled that China has increased pressure on Taiwan,” Moriarty said. “Recent congressional actions on Taiwan, like the unanimous passage of the Taiwan Travel Act, reflect those concerns.”
The act, which encourages high-level visits by US and Taiwanese officials, was signed into law by US President Donald Trump on March 16, following its unanimous passage in the US House of Representatives on Jan. 9 and the US Senate on Feb. 28. [FULL STORY]
