Remarks by AIT Director Christopher J. Marut at Opening of "Tradition and Transformation: U.S.-Taiwan Relations, 1979-2014"

OT-1501E | Date: 01/13/2015 | (As Prepared for Delivery)

Opening of the "Tradition and Transformation: U.S.-Taiwan Relations, 1979-2014" exhibit (Photo: AIT Images)

Director Chen, Chairperson Chang, honored guests, good morning. I am delighted to be here with you on this auspicious occasion to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act and to have the honor of participating in the opening of this exhibit today.

The Taiwan Relations Act continues to underpin the relationship between the people of the United States and the people of Taiwan. As Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Danny Russel said to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in April 2014, “Taiwan has earned a respected place in the world. Thanks to the Taiwan Relations Act, over the past 35 years, the United States and Taiwan have enjoyed a firm foundation of friendship that we continue to build today.”

This exhibit does not just focus on the past. It also features events and collaboration in the present day. It includes shared stories of success and challenges, and ways that the United States and Taiwan have worked together after the signing and enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act.

By displaying vintage photographs, historical documents, and other memorabilia, we hope this exhibit will demonstrate the breadth of programs and engagement that both the U.S. and Taiwan put into this relationship over the past 35 years. From Taiwan joining the Visa Waiver Program to the visit of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy, from science and energy cooperation to the Fulbright and other exchange programs, to the Mobile American Corner, which is parked over there, we see the strong and vibrant cooperation between our two peoples.

On behalf of AIT, I would like to thank the National Taiwan Museum for partnering with us on this exhibit and providing this beautiful venue. I would also like to express my gratitude to the National Space Center for providing artifacts and videos, and the National Library of Public Information in Taichung which will provide the venue for the exhibit when it is next exhibited in Taichung. Finally, I would like to thank the many organizations, institutions, and friends who have generously loaned us photographs and artifacts or participated in interviews.

Please enjoy the exhibition, and thank you for joining us today to celebrate the opening.