The East-West Center opened a special exhibition today to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. In addition to displaying numerous photographs, the exhibition is testimony to 40 years of Taiwan-US interaction since the Act was passed. I’m sure everyone remembers Taiwan's isolation when the United States switched diplomatic ties in 1979, and how the US Congress advocated the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act.
After it was passed by Congress in 1979, the Taiwan Relations Act became the cornerstone of Taiwan-US relations. China has continued to challenge the Taiwan Relations Act over the past 40 years, but the determination shown by the Taiwanese people to preserve our democratic freedoms, along with the staunch friendship of the United States, have allowed us to take bilateral relations to a higher, more meaningful level.
And in fact, the relationship between Taiwan and the US continues to get better, and closer. The most powerful testament to that process is a photo right behind me. It shows President Ronald Reagan signing a memo with the words: "We keep our promises to Taiwan. Period." In other words, the US commitment to Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act is beyond doubt. President Reagan's Six Assurances are also an important foundation of Taiwan-US relations, so our visit to this exhibition today was especially meaningful.
Taiwan is facing many challenges, mainly from China. Since taking office in 2016, my administration has maintained a firm position on cross-strait relations, and remained committed to maintaining the status quo. In our approach to regional affairs, Taiwan is contributing to peace and stability. Unfortunately, China has continued to try and alter the status quo.
Throughout this process, many of our like-minded friends, including the United States, have supported us and helped us to defend ourselves, and participate in international organizations. At the same time, these like-minded countries have worked with us in the Indo-Pacific to face regional issues together, including humanitarian aid, women's empowerment, and national governance. Taiwan has thus come to play an important role in the Indo-Pacific region.
As we commemorate the 40th anniversary of the passage of the Taiwan Relations Act and reflect on our past, we should also look toward the future. Taiwan will continue to strengthen relations with the United States under the Taiwan Relations Act, and continue to play an active role in the Indo-Pacific region alongside other like-minded countries to maintain regional stability, peace, and development.