The U.S. and Taiwan business communities have, despite recent downturn in the global marketplace, maintained one of the strongest and most enduring relationships.

The Taiwan Relations Act, signed in 1979, is the cornerstone on which Taiwan-U.S. relations have been built.

As Taiwan peacefully manages its differences with mainland China, it seeks dignity within the international system and believes it can play a positive role supporting its close unofficial relationship with the United States.

International businesses, including U.S. businesses, are increasingly recognizing the opportunities Hong Kong offers as a base for providing financial and professional services to mainland China.

The next U.S. administration needs a clear strategic vision for Asia befitting the region’s status as the new global center of gravity. That will require steps that include continuing the Strategic Economic Dialogue and avoiding coalitions based on democracy and common values.

On November 2, the China Program and China Vitae co-sponsored a day-long conference on Chinese leadership, with panels on the tools of leadership analysis, leadership similarities and differences on foreign policy, and leadership unity and conflict on domestic issues. Roderick MacFarquhar of Harvard University gave the keynote address.

A major two-day conference in September explored a wide range of questions related to China's foreign relations and political and economic development. 

The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in China was the most serious test of China's new leadership's ability to deal with crisis. Although the Chinese government has effectively contained the epidemic for now, there is much uncertainty about the effects of this crisis on China's political stability and economic performance.