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United States. Embassy (Taiwan) 1949 - 1979

From December 19, 1949, until February 28, 1979, the United States Embassy in China was located in Taipei, Taiwan, as the US government continued to recognize the Republic of China (ROC) as the legitimate government of China, even after the ROC government had fled the mainland and and controlled only the island of Taiwan and other offshore islands.

Following the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and the People's Republic of China (PRC) in January 1979, the US government ceased its recognition of the Republic of China. The US Embassy in Taiwan was closed. On March 1, 1979, the United States opened an embassy in Beijing, China. 

Although still officially known as the US Embassy in China during its operation in Taiwan, the Wilson Center Digital Archive refers to it simply as "United States. Embassy (Taiwan)"  to avoid confusion with US representation in the PRC. "United States. Embassy (China)" instead refers to the US Embassy in the People's Republic of China.

After the closure of the American embassy in Taipei, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) opened in 1979. AIT is a wholly owned subsidiary of the federal government of the United States in Taiwan with Congressional oversight.

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Popular Documents

July 26, 1950

Telegram No. 124 from Taipei to the Secretary of State

This document summarizes a conversation with Yang Chao-chia, Commissioner of Civil Affairs in Taiwan. Yang criticized the economic burden on farmers, expressed hopes for reform through strengthening public voices, and condemned Chinese government oppression and secret police methods.

This document summary was generated by an artificial intelligence language model and was reviewed by a Wilson Center staff member.

March 26, 1951

Telegram No. 177 from Taipei to the Department of State, 'Political Report on Formosa, October 11-December 31, 1950'

Key themes include growing confidence in American support following the Korean War, rising optimism among the Nationalist Chinese regarding a return to the mainland, increased pro-American sentiment among Formosans, and concerns over Chinese Communist aggression while highlighting internal reforms and local elections​.

This document summary was generated by an artificial intelligence language model and was reviewed by a Wilson Center staff member.

April 17, 1951

Telegram No. 209 from Taipei to the Department of State, 'Political Report on Nationalist China - March 1951'

This telegram highlights improving morale on Formosa driven by increased US military and economic support and Communist purges on the mainland, which deepened anti-Communist sentiment.

This document summary was generated by an artificial intelligence language model and was reviewed by a Wilson Center staff member.

March 4, 1952

Despatch No. 389 from American Embassy Taipei to the Department of State, 'Recent American Policy Toward Formosa'

This despatch summarizes US policy toward Formosa (Taiwan) as a response to the threat posed by Communist China. The document underscores the United States' commitment to neutralizing Formosa militarily to prevent Communist occupation, its provision of significant economic and military aid to strengthen Formosa's defenses, and its insistence that Formosa's future political status be determined through international consultation rather than unilateral force.

This document summary was generated by an artificial intelligence language model and was reviewed by a Wilson Center staff member.

February 2, 1951

Telegram No. 120 from Taipei to the Department of State, 'Political Report on Formosa'

This telegram highlights the rising optimism among Nationalist Chinese leaders about US military aid and renewed hopes for the reconquest of mainland China. 

This document summary was generated by an artificial intelligence language model and was reviewed by a Wilson Center staff member.
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