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Taiwan: Taiwan Relations Act
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[T]he countries that sent ambassadors to Beijing still hedged on the issue of whether Taiwan was part of China. The joint communiqués tended to “note”, “understand,” or “respect” Beijing’s position. The United States “acknowledges” China’s position. But its different interpretation is expressed in the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, which states that “Whenever the laws of the United States refer or relate to foreign countries, nations, states, governments, or similar entities, such terms shall include and such laws shall apply with respect to Taiwan.”
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Taiwan's main threat is from mainland China, which has approved an anti-secession law that allows a military attack on Taiwan to prevent the island from seeking independence. Additionally, the United States sells Taiwan military equipment and may defend Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act.
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The Consular Section of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) became operational on April 23, 1979. AIT is a non-governmental organization created by Public Law 96-8 (The Taiwan Relations Act). Prior to July 1, 1997, immigrant and non-immigrant visa applications were issued under the authority of the Consulate General in Hong Kong. Since July 1, 1997, the AIT Consular Section has had authority to issue and deny visas.
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The United States position on Taiwan is reflected in the Three Communiqués and the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA). The U.S. insists on the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait differences and encourages dialogue to help advance such an outcome. The U.S. does not support Taiwan independence. President Bush stated on December 9, 2003 that the United States is opposed to any attempt by either side to unilaterally alter the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. While the United States welcomes recent exchanges that enhance channels of communication between leaders in Beijing and Taipei, the United States urges Beijing and Taipei to further advance cross-Strait cooperation and dialogue, including direct discussions between the authorities in Beijing and elected leaders in Taipei.
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The U.S. outlines its new relationship with Taiwan in the Taiwan Relations Act. The U.S. hands over the responsibilities of its embassy in Taipei to a new non-governmental agency called the American Institute in Taiwan and allows the U.S. president and Congress to take appropriate action against aggression towards Taiwan.
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In 1979, after the US switched its recognition from Taiwan to the PRC, the US Congress passed the Taiwan Relations Act. It states that the US decision to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China rested upon the expectation that the future of Taiwan will be determined by peaceful means and the US would view any effort to resolve Taiwan’s future by any other means with grave concern. It ... states that the US will provide Taiwan with arms of a defensive nature. The US acts as a significant third party in the relationships between Taiwan and the Mainland.
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Taiwan Relations Act