United States was compelled to adhere to its one-China policy. Finally, in remarks following the 20th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, Susan L. Shirk, Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, reasserted the Clinton Administration's philosophy that, like the five preceding administrations, the United States views the Act as a mechanism to "…retain substantive, but unofficial [emphasis added] relations with Taiwan, while pursuing improved ties with the People's Republic of China." Most recently, the United States has unofficially entered into communications with President-elect Chen through the auspices of former Congressman Lee Hamilton, traveling in a private capacity to Taiwan to meet with senior officials. It is clear that, while the United States is grateful for Congressman Hamilton's private efforts, officially, U.S. policy must continue to be to avoid formal recognition of the Chen government.However, when asked about a reported buildup of missile defense systems along the coast of China, the U.S. State Department acknowledged its commitment under the Taiwan Relations Act to provide Taiwan with its legitimate defense requirements while at the same time declaring U.S. intentions to uphold its One China Policy. To this reviewer, the reduction in the inflammatory rhetoric on both side of the Straits, together with China's current "wait and see" approach is a welcome development. However, the U.S. must be mindful of its obligation under current U.S. law to assist in the defense of Taiwan, should such actions be necessary. In conclusion, it is the opinion of this reviewer that to formally recognize the Chen government on Taiwan would undermine nearly 30 years of Sino-American efforts towards normalized relations. As demonstrated above, the United States, in all its public pronouncements, has clearly indicated to the international community its commitment to be bound by the joint communiqus p...
