U.S., Taiwan sign MOU to implement Taiwan Fellowship Program

Résumé détaillé

The United States and Taiwan signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) Tuesday to launch the Taiwan Fellowship Program (TFP) allowing U.S. federal government employees to receive up to one year of language training and regional studies in Taiwan, with the aim of strengthening bilateral strategic ties.

Taipei, Nov. 11 (CNA) The United States and Taiwan signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) Tuesday to launch the Taiwan Fellowship Program (TFP) allowing U.S. federal government employees to receive up to one year of language training and regional studies in Taiwan, with the aim of strengthening bilateral strategic ties.

The agreement was signed by Ingrid Larson, Washington managing director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), and Alexander Yui (俞大㵢), Taiwan's representative to the United States, in Arlington, Virginia, the AIT said in a press release.

"TFP reflects strong bipartisan support for the U.S.-Taiwan relationship and a shared commitment to the people-to-people ties at its core," Larson was quoted as saying during the signing ceremony.

According to AIT, the TFP will allow eligible U.S. federal government employees to receive up to one year of intensive Mandarin training and pursue regional studies in Taiwan.

Upon completing their training, fellows are expected to work for up to one year in Taiwan's legislative offices, government ministries and agencies, or organizations outside the public sector, the AIT added.

According to the AIT, the program aims to expand and strengthen the U.S.-Taiwan partnership and enhance U.S. officials' expertise on Taiwan and cross-strait issues.

It also seeks to develop a group of federal professionals with language skills, cultural knowledge, and lasting professional relationships in Taiwan.

The program was authorized under the Taiwan Fellowship Act, which then-U.S. President Joe Biden signed into law on Dec. 23, 2022, as part of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023.

The AIT did not explain the nearly three-year delay in implementing the program.

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