International Relations GS 2 In the news 5 times

Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), 1979

When the US switched diplomatic recognition from the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the People's Republic of China in 1979, the US Congress passed the Taiwan Relations Act to maintain unofficial ties and security commitments to Taiwan. The TRA authorises arms sales of "a defensive character" to Taiwan and commits the US to maintaining the capacity to resist any use of force against Taiwan.

Key details

Enacted April 10, 1979; governs unofficial US-Taiwan relations.
Requires the US to provide Taiwan with arms of a defensive character.
Does not commit the US to automatic military defence of Taiwan (unlike NATO Article 5), maintaining strategic ambiguity.
Established the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) as the de facto US embassy.

In the news

● Tracked since March 13, 2026 · last seen May 22, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes

22 May '26

U.S. Navy official says Taiwan arms sales on ‘pause’ over Iran war; Taiwan claims no information from U.S.

International Relations

17 May '26

Taiwan won't be sacrificed, U.S. arms sales a commitment: President responds to Trump

International Relations

17 May '26

Trump met Xi Jinping in Beijing. He came back with doubts on Taiwan's $14 billion arms deal and lesson in Greek history

International Relations

01 May '26