Accession Number:

ADA505065

Title:

Taiwan's Political Status: Historical Background and Ongoing Implications

Descriptive Note:

Congressional rept.

Corporate Author:

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE

Personal Author(s):

• Dumbaugh, Kerry B.

Report Date:

2006-02-23

Pagination or Media Count:

7.0

Abstract:

In 1979, official U.S. relations with Taiwan the Republic of China became a casualty of the American decision to recognize the communist government of the Peoples Republic of China PRC as Chinas sole legitimate government. Since then, U.S. unofficial relations with Taiwan have been built on the framework of the Taiwan Relations Act P.L. 96-8 and shaped by three U.S.-China communiques. Under these agreements, the United States maintains its official relations with the PRC while selling Taiwan military weapons and having extensive economic, political, and security interests there. But continuing transformations in both the PRC and Taiwan political systems mean U.S. officials are facing new and more difficult policy choices. This report, intended as a background overview, briefly summarizes U.S. political history with Taiwan and discusses the complications it has for current U.S. policy and for congressional actions. For analysis of current developments in Taiwan and their implications for U.S. policy, see CRS Issue Brief IB98034, Taiwan Recent Developments and U.S. Policy Choices, by Kerry B. Dumbaugh.

Descriptors:

• *FOREIGN POLICY
• *TAIWAN
• *CHINA
• *UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
• *INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
• *HISTORY
• FOREIGN MILITARY SALES
• POLITICAL PARTIES
• DIPLOMACY
• TREATIES
• CONFLICT
• POLITICAL ALLIANCES
• LEGISLATION

Subject Categories:

• Government and Political Science
• Humanities and History

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE