Focus Taiwan
Date: 08/31/2020
By: Chen Yun-yu and Emerson Lim

Taipei, Aug. 31 (CNA) Washington's release of two declassified cables from nearly 40 years ago on its security assurances to Taiwan reflect the United States' commitment to Taiwan at a time when it is under threat from China, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Monday.

The two cables from 1982, declassified on July 16, 2020, and posted on the American Institute in Taiwan's (AIT) website earlier Monday, focus on arms sales to Taiwan and the 'Six Assurances' made to Taiwan.

Though neither offer any specific revelations, they both represent pledges of U.S. support for Taiwan today and the desire to send a message to China amid regional tensions and questions over whether the U.S. would help Taipei if attacked by Beijing.

The cables demonstrate the U.S.' "strong commitment" to Taiwan's security "amid China's continued actions to destroy peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and in the region," MOFA said in a statement.    [FULL  STORY]