Editorial

Moving in the right direction

(Courtesy of Presidential Office)

• Publication Date：06/02/2012
• Source： Taiwan Today

If the ROC government is to continue making significant headway in improving Taiwan-U.S. ties, there needs to be greater emphasis placed on resolving the beef import issue and restarting talks under the bilateral Trade and Investment Framework Agreement.

During a meeting with former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush in Taipei City last week, President Ma Ying-jeou gave every indication that the two sides are getting closer to sorting out their differences. He highlighted the closeness of Taiwan-U.S. exchanges, underscored the importance of ongoing arms supplies from Washington and pointed to the high level of trust that now defines the relationship.

In responding warmly, Bush gave credence to the widely held opinion by observers that relations between Taiwan and the U.S. are at their most stable since Ma took office in May 2008. The president has worked hard to strengthen Taipei-Washington ties and demonstrate that the ROC is a reliable international partner—efforts that have not gone unnoticed nor unrewarded by the U.S.

(CNA photos)

Washington makes no bones about its support for Taipei’s expanded participation in international organizations such as the World Health Organization, International Civil Aviation Organization and U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change. It also approves of government efforts to upgrade passport and immigration procedures, resulting in Taiwan’s likely admission into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program by year-end.

Getting the VWP green light would be a welcome vote of confidence in the government and provide added impetus for more nations to extend similar privileges to Taiwan. It further signals the willingness of Taipei and Washington to solidify relations based on expanded people-to-people exchanges and the shared values of democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law.

Unfortunately, the safety of U.S. beef imports continues to be a stumbling block for both sides. TIFA talks have been on ice since early last year following the government’s decision to ban imports containing leanness-enhancing feed additives such as ractopamine.

But the past month has seen the two counties redouble efforts to resolve the issue. A tour of American cattle ranches, slaughterhouses and processing facilities by a Council of Agriculture team wrapped up May 28, with inspectors declaring U.S. beef “safe.” This finding offers cause for optimism that real progress will be made on the import issue in the very near future.

At this point, Ma needs U.S. support to deliver on his goal of ensuring Taiwan is not left out of the drive for regional integration. Restarting TIFA talks puts the nation on track to concluding a bilateral investment pact and free trade agreement, as well as joining large-scale pacts including the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Ultimately, it will be the health of Taipei-Washington ties that dictates whether the government succeeds in enhancing Taiwan’s economic standing and competitiveness in the Asia-Pacific region. All kinks must be ironed out in this relationship to keep it moving in the right direction.

Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw