Taipei: Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung emphasized that Taiwan’s relationship with the United States is crucial for the country’s future development, despite the absence of official diplomatic ties. Speaking at a book event on the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), Lin highlighted the importance of the TRA and the Six Assurances as central U.S. policy guidelines for Washington-Taipei exchanges since the severing of official ties in 1979.

According to Focus Taiwan, Lin underscored that Taiwan-U.S. relations are “rock-solid,” with the TRA and the Six Assurances serving as the foundation for these ties. He pointed out that both countries recently signed a joint statement endorsing the Pax Silica Declaration at the 6th Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue (EPPD) held in Virginia. This U.S.-led initiative aims to coordinate trusted supply chains for advanced technologies.

Lin described the latest EPPD and the joint statement signing as a “milestone” in bilateral relations, linking Taiwan’s ties with the U.S. to the island’s survival and future development. He noted that the U.S. remains Taiwan’s most important military partner in light of increasing coercion from China.

The minister made these remarks during his address at the 2026 Taipei International Book Exhibition. The TRA, enacted by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter on April 10, 1979, commits to providing Taiwan with defense articles and services to help maintain its self-defense capability.

Furthermore, the Six Assurances, provided by former U.S. President Ronald Reagan’s administration in 1982, include commitments such as not consulting with Beijing on arms sales to Taiwan and maintaining a neutral stance on Taiwan’s sovereignty. The U.S. also assured it would not pressure Taiwan into negotiations with Beijing.