US Congress backs TRA resolution - TW

[dArKeR]

By Charles Snyder
STAFF REPORTER IN WASHINGTON

By an overwhelming 400-18 vote, the US House of Representatives Thursday approved a resolution reaffirming the US' "unwavering commitment" to the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act that established Washington's unofficial ties to Taiwan after the Carter administration switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in December 1978.

The resolution supports a strong defense commitment to Taiwan, encourages further cross-strait dialogue and argues in favor of increased visits by Taiwan officials to the US.

It also expresses Washington's "grave concern" over China's missile buildup across the Taiwan Strait, and urges the president to raise this concern with Chinese leaders.

The vote was aimed to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the TRA, which came in April.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2004/07/17/2003179283