October 28, 1999
Contact: Mary Jane Dunlap, University Relations, (785) 864-8853.
WHAT: Public symposium, "Taiwan, the U.S. (and the People's Republic of China): 20 Years After the Taiwan Relations Act," will feature discussion on growing tension between Taiwan and China. As a result, the conference will examine the viability of the "one China" policy in continued relations among Taiwan, the United States and the People's Republic of China.
WHO: Featured speakers include Douglas Paal, current president of the Asia Pacific Policy Center and former National Security adviser, and Stephen Chen, Taiwan's chief representative to the United States. Other top American and Taiwanese officials will participate in discussion on current economic and business conditions in Taiwan. The symposium is presented by the Asian Affairs Center at the University of Missouri-Columbia and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Kansas City in association with the Center for East Asian Studies at the University of Kansas, National Chengchi University in Taipei and the International Relations Council of Greater Kansas City.
WHEN: Friday and Saturday, Nov. 5 and 6
A short schedule of events is attached. For a complete listing, please visit the event Web site at http://www.missouri.edu/~muasia/conference.html.
WHERE: Embassy Suites Hotel, Country Club Plaza 220 W. 43rd St., Kansas City, Mo.
WHY: Twenty years after the signing of the Taiwan Relations Act, Taiwan remains in international limbo, said Terry Weidner, director of the MU Asian Affairs Center. "Taiwan's identity is colored by a 'one China' policy that has contributed to Asian stability, but for many belies Taiwan's status as an independent political entity. Although Taiwan is a close ally of the United States, Taiwan-United States relations, under 'one China,' remain inextricably linked to the vicissitudes of United States-People's Republic of China relations."
Taiwan, the U.S. (and the PRC): 20 Years After the Taiwan Relations Act Schedule of Events
Friday, Nov. 5
8:15-9 a.m.
Introductory Remarks
9:15-10:15 a.m.
Session I: The Context for Relations
10:30 a.m.-noon
Session II: Democratization and Its Challenges in Taiwan
12:15-1:45 p.m.
Public Luncheon Address
Presenter: Stephen Chen
Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States
Charge - $10/person. If interested, call Sang Kim at (573) 882-6902.
2-3:30 p.m.
Session III: The Economic/Business Environment in Taiwan
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Cocktails (cash bar)
7:30-9:30 p.m.
Public Dinner Presentation
"The Shape of United States Policy Toward China and Taiwan"
Presenter: Douglas Paal, president, Asia Pacific Policy Center
Charge - $25/person. If interested, call Sang Kin at (573) 882-6902.
Saturday, Nov. 6
8:30-9:45 a.m.
Session IV: The Military Context
10-11:30 a.m.
Session V: United States-Taiwan Relations and the Future of Taiwan