CHINESE OBSTRUCTION:While maintaining close ties with China is important, Taiwan should not become a bargaining chip in US-China relations, a US representative said
Taipei Times
Date: Jun 17, 2017
By: Staff writer, with CNA
Several US lawmakers on Thursday expressed concern over China’s redoubled efforts to isolate Taiwan
This is a file photo of the US House of Representatives’ Committee on Foreign Affairs Chairman Ed Royce. Ed Royce said that it is more important than ever to reassure Taipei of Washington’s commitment to the relationship at Thursday’s hearing on Taiwan-US ties. Photo: EPA
and the US government’s indecision on arms sales to Taiwan.
In a hearing on Taiwan-US ties, the US House of Representatives’ Committee on Foreign Affairs Chairman Ed Royce said it is more important than ever to reassure Taipei of Washington’s commitment to the relationship, at a time when Taiwan is facing new challenges as a result of changes in cross-strait and global dynamics.
Royce cited as examples Panama’s decision to break off decades of diplomatic relations with Taiwan because of inducements from Beijing, and Taiwan’s exclusion from this year’s World Health Assembly due to Chinese obstruction.
Delays by successive US administrations on arms sales notifications for Taiwan “have needlessly dragged out the arms sales process,” he said.
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