WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06), Co-Chair of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, joined officials representing the United States and Taiwan to celebrate the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formally launching the Taiwan Fellowship Program.

The agreement marks a major milestone in implementing Rep. Bera's bipartisan Taiwan Fellowship Act, which was signed into law in December 2022 as part of the FY 2023 National Defense Authorization Act.

Rep. Bera introduced the Taiwan Fellowship Act in 2021 to deepen U.S.-Taiwan relations by creating opportunities for American government officials to live, study, and work in Taiwan. The newly signed agreement between the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) puts that legislation into action.

"When I introduced the bipartisan Taiwan Fellowship Act, my goal was to strengthen America's partnership with Taiwan by investing in the next generation of public servants who will help shape our foreign policy," said Representative Bera. "I was proud to see our legislation signed into law in 2022, and this week's agreement represents an important step toward turning that vision into reality."

"Taiwan is a vital partner in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific," Bera continued. "By giving American officials firsthand experience living and working in Taiwan, we are building the expertise and relationships needed to strengthen this partnership for generations to come. I am grateful to our bipartisan partners in Congress and to AIT and TECRO for helping bring this program to life."

The Taiwan Fellowship Program will equip the next generation of American public servants with a deeper understanding of Taiwan's history, culture, and political landscape. It will also strengthen people-to-people ties and ensure U.S. foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific is informed by firsthand regional experience.

Tuesday's signing represents a significant step forward in implementing legislation championed by Rep. Bera and demonstrates the continued bipartisan commitment to strengthening the U.S.-Taiwan partnership.

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