Radio Taiwan International
Date: 2017-06-15

The American secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, has confirmed Washington’s commitment to its “One China” policy and to Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA). Tillerson was addressing a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on Wednesday. The TRA exists to regulate US relations with Taiwan in the absence of formal diplomatic ties.

Tillerson made the remarks after Representative Steve Chabot raised the matter of Panama breaking ties with Taiwan earlier this week. Chabot noted that the break arose due to pressure from China. Tillerson said Chabot reminded him to make clear to Beijing that the US is committed to Taiwan.

Tillerson said the US relationship with Beijing has been defined for the past 50 years by the “One China” policy that he said has brought regional stability. He said the policy has allowed enormous economic growth from which the US has benefitted. Tillerson said the US is also in discussion with China about the direction of their relationship for the next 50 years and Taiwan will be a part of that discussion.
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