AIT Dedicates New Complex in Taipei|AIT新大樓落成 蔡:捍衛台美共同價值與利益

Also today, President Tsai Ing-wen attended the dedication ceremony for the American Institute in Taiwan's new complex. She said Taiwan has the obligation to defend the shared values and common interests of the two countries, while U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Marie Royce said she hoped the two countries can continue to work together.


High-level officials from Taiwan and the United States attended the dedication ceremony for the American Institute in Taiwan's new complex in Taipei's Neihu District on June 12. The American officials included Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Marie Royce and Representative Gregg Harper, one of the co-chairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus. Both of them traveled to Taiwan to attend the ceremony. Royce not only praised Taiwan's democratic growth, but also expressed her hope that the bilateral relationship will continue to lead to greater cooperation.

We may be separated by a great ocean, but our shared convictions, values and trust form a strong foundation for cooperation. AIT's new home is a tangible symbol that reflects the strength of our ties. It's a state of the art facility that will make possible even greater cooperation for many years to come.

The Taiwan officials included President Tsai Ing-wen, former President Ma Ying-jeou, and Premier William Lai. In her speech, Tsai said this date will not only commemorate past achievements between the two countries, but also reiterate the benefits and commitments resulting from their partnership.

As we dedicate this building, we are also rededicating ourselves to our common sense of purpose. As free and open democracies, we have an obligation to work with one another to defend our values and protect our joint interests. As long as we stand together, nothing can come between us.

Several local customs were incorporated into the ceremony, including offering incense and praying for blessings. When asked if U.S. Marines will be in charge of the security of the new complex, AIT Director Kin Moy said it was inconvenient to discuss security issues, and U.S. foreign service officers and local staff will be responsible for the security of the new complex. He also stressed the standards for AIT will be unified with the standards for the rest of the world. However, it will not use security measures to make a political statement or manifest a political position. AIT also allowed the media to tour the new complex. The route for those going to AIT for consular services will pass by 12 art installations jointly created by U.S. and Taiwan artists to show the strong friendship that unites the two countries.