The high tariffs that characterized the post-WW I decade helped lay the ground for World War II. As a result, free trade became a central tenet of U.S. policy after 1945. Notwithstanding current political trends, free trade remains a vital tool for encouraging international cooperation and economic growth. This is the aim of the Trans-Pacific Partnership which was signed in February and is awaiting ratification. As the U.S.’s 10th largest trading partner, many believe that Taiwan should be included in the TPP.
On Monday, November 7, Hudson Institute held a panel discussion to examine the benefits to both the U.S. and Taiwan of the latter’s inclusion in the TPP. Speakers included Lotta Danielsson of the U.S.-Taiwan Business Council, Harry Krejsa of the Center for a New American Security, and Robert S. Wang of Covington & Burling. Seth Cropsey, director of Hudson’s Center for American Seapower, moderated the discussion.
