The U.S.-Taiwan Relationship and People-to-People Ties

The United States and Taiwan enjoy a strong friendship based on enduring historical ties and shared cultural values. People-to-people exchanges offer the most immediate and impactful way for ordinary American and Taiwanese people to learn about and from each other. Commercial ties and economic value chains, language exchange programs and study abroad opportunities, and cultural activities and tourism, all serve as vital avenues for fostering and deepening the kinds of close bonds that enrich the U.S.-Taiwan relationship.

Richard C. Bush, Yuri Yao-Tsung Chih, and Claire Reade reflected on the ongoing strategic importance and lasting value of vibrant people-to-people exchanges between the United States and Taiwan. William Vocke gave a brief welcome, Adam Meier offered opening remarks, and Douglas Paal moderated the discussion.

William Vocke

William Vocke is the executive director of the Foundation for Scholarly Exchange (Fulbright Taiwan).   

Adam Meier

Adam Meier is the East Asia and Pacific Fulbright branch chief for the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

Richard C. Bush

Richard C. Bush is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, he holds the Michael H. Armacost Chair and Chen-Fu and Cecilia Yen Koo Chair in Taiwan Studies.

Yuri Yao-Tsung Chih

Yuri Yao-Tsung Chih is the director of the education division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Washington DC.

Claire Reade

Claire Reade is a senior associate with the Freeman Chair in China Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and senior counsel at Arnold & Porter in Washington, D.C.

Douglas H. Paal

Douglas H. Paal is vice president for studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.