The Talk Between Lien Chan and Hillary Is The Highest Ranking Bilateral Meeting

Taipei, Sept. 11, 2012 (CENS)--In his capacity as the representative of President Ma Ying-jeou for APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Leaders' Summit held Sept. 8-9 in Vladivostok, Russia, former Vice President Lien Chan held a bilateral meeting with Hillary Clinton, U.S. secretary of state, on Sept. 9 , when both parties agreed to hold expert-level consultation in preparation for U.S.-Taiwan Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA), according to a joint press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the American Institute in Taiwan.

The talk between Lien Chan and Hillary is the highest ranking bilateral meeting between Taiwan and the U.S. in 20 years and is a major breakthrough for TIFA talk.

Hillary pledged to dispatch Atul Keshap, the U.S. representative for APEC and primary economic advisor to the Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, to Taiwan to engage in consultation for expanding bilateral economic relations.

In response to the major breakthrough, President Ma Ying-jeou expressed hope for the U.S. to support Taiwan in joining regional economic integration, such as TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership).

Hillary expressed appreciation for President Ma in overseeing the legal revision for U.S. beef import and stressed the importance of trade liberalization for Taiwan's economy and strategic outlook. Lien Chan explained Taiwan's effort in promoting economic liberalization, proposed to further enhance Taiwan-U.S. economic relationship, and hoped for U.S. support for Taiwan to actively take part in regional economic and trade integration.

The bilateral meeting also addressed issues of interest to both parties, including free visa for Taiwanese people to visit the U.S., Taiwan-U.S. relationship, and military sales.

Lien Chan noted that it will be a good opportunity for Taiwan to join TPP following the joining of Mexico and Canada next year. Insiders said that it would be rather difficult for Taiwan to join TPP in the wake of the participation of Mexico and Canada. Anyhow, before joining TPP, Taiwan should make good preparation to cope with the impact of zero tariff on domestic industries.