Unofficial Diplomacy

This book describes the progress of United States unofficial, nongovernmental relations with Taiwan since 1979. For the first time in United States diplomatic history, the whole range of US interaction with a foreign entity was carried out by a private, nonprofit corporation, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT). The history of the establishment and development of AIT is provided in this book, set in the context of the life and career of David Dean, founding director of AIT. This book provides insights into US relations with Taiwan and China, beginning with the founding of the Republic of China on Taiwan. Other themes include US perspectives on the reforms initiated by President Chiang Ching-kuo, the development of human rights in Taiwan, efforts to combat corruption, and the future security concerns of Taiwan