via US Air Force

Taiwan’s congressional supporters are ramping up the pressure on the Obama administration to approve the sale of new F-16 fighterjet units to the island nation. The pressure notched up a level higher when one pro-sale senator vowed to delay the confirmation of a new deputy secretary of state if there is no movement on the F-16 sale. Taiwan’s congressional allies’ actions have provoked countermaneuvers from mainland Chinese officials. Chinese dignitaries have visited senators, Obama administration officials, former officials, and personnel form other institutions to voice their opposition to the proposed F-16 sale. more…

joanho via stock.xchng

There is good news if you plan a trip to Hong Kong or Macao in the next months. As of July 15, Taiwan’s de facto embassies in the SAR (special administrative regions) gain new status receive the official name Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Hong Kong and Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Macau, respectively. More than simply a new name for the same old thing, the agreement made between the SAR and the ROC last week recognizes the true status of both offices, and gives our government more possibilities in promoting Taiwan in the regions, especially in areas such as tourism, culture, education, or trade. With the recognition come new opportunities. On a very basic level, it means that ROC officials now have a status that affords them certain rights and privileges afforded to members of the diplomatic corps. Officials already speak of a “new stage” in the relationship between the SAR and the ROC. more…