Taiwan Tati Cultural and Educational Foundation

Today marks the 45th anniversary of the day the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) was signed into law. The relationship between Taiwan and the US has evolved from the geopolitical turmoil of the time, marked by major Taiwanese tech companies establishing factories in the US, high-ranking Taiwanese military officials visiting the US and unprecedented arms sales to Taiwan.

What was once a one-sided dependence has metamorphosed into a mutually beneficial partnership. However, given the “asymmetrical” nature of cross-strait relations, especially the power disparity and China’s coercive tactics against Taiwan, it is essential and pressing to envision and enhance bilateral relations beyond the TRA, while acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead.

On Wednesday morning last week, an earthquake off the east coast, measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale, was felt across the country, but Hualien County was hit the worst.

As of Sunday, 13 people have died and more than 1,000 have been injured.

The quake was almost as powerful as 1999’s devastating 921 Earthquake, making it the strongest to strike Taiwan in the past 25 years.

Taiwan’s geographical location is such that it experiences frequent earthquakes that cause losses to property and lives. By withstanding one such test after another, the government and society have learned and strengthened their resilience against disasters. For example, Taiwan has continually enhanced the earthquake resilience of buildings and infrastructure.