AIT is a non-profit organization established under the auspices of the United States government to serve its interests in Taiwan. Primarily staffed by employees of the United States Department of State and local workers, it provides services normally provided by a United States diplomatic mission. The establishment of diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China (PRC) in 1979 required acknowledgment of the One-China policy and termination of diplomatic relations with the Republic of China (ROC). The AIT now serves to assist and protect US interests in Taiwan and other areas in the ROC in a non-official manner. The AIT also processes visas and provides consular services to American expatriates.
AIT is really a diplomatic fig leaf just like the American Interests section in Havana before Obama established diplomatic relations with Cuba. Yes, Trump may have violated some arcane diplomatic protocol, but the reality is that it really is not a big deal except for the MSM's overblown reaction, which the PRC has picked up on.
The reality is that the PRC has a robust trade arrangement with Taiwan and Taiwan's political leaders visit the PRC regularly. Taiwanese businessmen go to the PRC and vice versa.
It should also be noted that the PRC objects regularly to visits by the Dalai Lama to the WH,
Here is a story from June this year: China warns U.S. on visits by Dalai Lama, Taiwan president
China warned the United States on Tuesday to stick by its promises not to support any separatist activities, ahead of a U.S. visit by Taiwan's new president and a possible meeting between the Dalai Lama and U.S. President Barack Obama.
The self-ruled, democratic island of Taiwan and the remote mountainous region of Tibet are two of China's most sensitive political and diplomatic issues.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said both issues involved the "one China" policy, a basic diplomatic tenet referring to both Taiwan and Tibet being part of China that Beijing insists foreign governments recognize.
"I can responsibly tell you that on this issue the U.S. government has made solemn promises, which is to uphold a one China policy," Lu told a daily news briefing.
Her trip abroad from June 24 to July 2 will also include a state visit to another ally, Paraguay, the government said.
Travel abroad is sensitive for Taiwanese leaders who have angered China in the past because it is seen as exerting sovereignty.
China is suspicious of Tsai, who assumed office last month, as she is also head of the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Lu said the U.S. has said it opposes Taiwan independence.
"We demand the U.S. government earnestly stands by its promises, conscientiously handle the relevant issue in accordance with the one China principle and not give any space to any individual or behavior which tries to create two Chinas, one China one Taiwan, or to split China," he added.
Taiwan deputy minister Hou gave no details on who Tsai would meet while in the U.S.
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen will transit in Miami on her way to Panama, one of the island's few diplomatic allies, for the expansion ceremony of the Panama Canal and stopover in Los Angeles on her return, Taiwan deputy foreign minister Javier Ching-shan Hou said on Tuesday.
On the issue of the Dalai Lama, whom Beijing brands a dangerous separatist, Lu said the United States also recognizes that Tibet is an inseparable part of China.
Is it any wonder that Obama had the Dalai Lama use the back entrance of the WH. I wonder why the MSM didn't get all excited by Obama (and all the previous Presidents) meeting with the Dalai Lama over Beijing's objections?
