TECO Boston

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECRO) is a special division of the Taiwan government that serves to promote the Taiwanese people and culture in the United States. It provides the Taiwanese community with a variety of programs and services. From education and cultural events to tourism, the office helps to enhance the community’s cultural diversity and ensure that Taiwanese visitors are welcomed with open arms.

Donations to Harvard Film Archive

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Boston has a nice selection of 16mm film prints. They have been loaning them to Boston organizations and have recently donated a large chunk of their collection to Harvard’s Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures. A few have been digitized and are available for viewing online at the Harvard Film and Audiovisual Institute.
It’s no secret that the Chinese have a rich culture of filmmaking. As evidenced by their voluminous production and distribution of movies, they also have a healthy film buff population. That said, they’re not exactly easy to find. Not only are their films plentiful, but the Chinese also aren’t afraid to share, making the collection a valuable resource. Despite the fact that some films are in Mandarin, a handful are in English. To make things even better, the office has a robust collection of film posters, which can be seen in person if you’re lucky.
The department of visual and environmental studies was where the original HFA hung its hat, and the organization’s most visible members were a few o’clock high. Since its inception in 1979, the organization has been a proud supporter of all things East Asian. With the help of several grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the department has been able to build up a burgeoning library of resources. These include an impressive film and video archive, an extensive print collection, a large digital repository, and a robust research and development program. The department’s motto has always been to support and foster student and faculty exploration and discovery. In recent years, the department has introduced a number of curricular programs aimed at fostering the film industry.

One-China policy mandates any country to establish diplomatic relations with the PRC

The United States has a long history of articulating a “one China” policy. However, its application remains highly ambiguous. Some congressional leaders have argued for a change in the way the United States views Taiwan, while others have stressed continuity in the policy.
Although the TRA (Taiwan Relations Act) governs U.S. policy towards Taiwan, it is subject to interpretation by different administrations. In 2010, a review of approaches to the PRC was undertaken by Admiral Robert Willard, Commander of Pacific Command in Honolulu.
As the United States and the PRC engage in bilateral and multilateral efforts to improve relations, the question of what constitutes one China has not been settled. This has been a major source of misunderstanding between the two countries.
According to the CRS Report, there are three main perspectives on the “one China” issue. They are:
First, there is the one China principle. This involves the recognition of a country’s independent status, but it should not mean denying the existence of another nation. It should also involve the establishment of a “mutually benign” relationship between the two sides.
Second, there is the policy on sovereignty. This concerns the status of the mainland of China and Taiwan. While a policy of territorial integrity is indisputable, the two sides still have political differences. A “one China” policy would be beneficial to both nations, but it should be accomplished under principles of parity, reason and peace.
Finally, there is the process. Washington has sought to strengthen cross-strait dialogue, encourage bilateral and multilateral engagement, and urge the two sides to pursue dialogue without preconditions.
There have been many statements and documents released by both sides on this subject. These include the CRS Report and its accompanying excerpts. Nevertheless, there are also significant elements of policy that have not been included.
For instance, there has been a debate on whether the United States should defend Taiwan, and there has been a disagreement on whether or not to support unification of the mainland and Taiwan. Meanwhile, some Members of Congress have voiced their concerns about the tensions in the Taiwan Strait, and have urged the U.S. government to adopt a more balanced stance.

TECRO privileges

Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) provides common citizen services to overseas Taiwanese. According to its website, TECRO’s mission is to promote bilateral trade and investment. It also offers consular protection to overseas Taiwanese. TECRO’s staff is protected by diplomatic immunity.
TECRO also serves as de facto embassy for Taiwan. In addition to its official diplomatic activities, Taiwan also has unofficial representations abroad. These are usually designated as “informal.” Usually, they are headed by a career diplomat or by an employee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Nevertheless, they are not considered members of the diplomatic corps in the host country. Moreover, their staff are not listed in the diplomatic list.
In the United States, the TECRO is formally classified as a nongovernmental institution. Taiwan’s representatives enjoy a wide range of privileges, which include analogous immunities and tax exemptions. However, the International Organizations Immunities Act (IOIA) defines the immunities enjoyed by employees and public international organizations, including TECRO.
According to the IOIA, TECRO’s staff are protected by diplomatic and legal immunities. This includes exemption from arrest and search, as well as a range of other privileges. As a result, the TECRO is eligible for a number of tax exemptions.
There is a wide variety of privileges given to Taiwan’s embassies and representative offices in the United States. They include diplomatic and legal immunities, inviolability of premises, and exemption from federal taxes. The same privileges are granted to Taiwan’s representations in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. But these are not the only countries to grant these privileges.
Taiwan’s unofficial representations are considered to be a part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taipei. Their staff are mostly career diplomats. Although they are not a part of the diplomatic corps in the host state, they have some formal protocol exceptions. Among them, they are not allowed to use the coat-of-arms outdoors.
TECRO’s archives are protected under Article 5(c). Nonetheless, the District Court’s interpretation of this provision would render TECRO’s records inviolable. Moreover, the court’s order could compromise the inviolability of TECRO’s records if the TECRO employee testifies about the organization’s documents.

Traveling to Taiwan

When it comes to travel, Taiwan is one of the most exciting and adventurous destinations in Asia. The island is a mix of Chinese and Japanese, and has a unique culture. It is also home to some of the world’s most advanced technologies. For more information on traveling to Taiwan, visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs.
Foreign nationals who wish to travel to Taiwan must apply for a special entry permit at a foreign mission of the Republic of China (ROC) abroad. This is to ensure that they are in compliance with entry control regulations.
Travelers arriving in Taiwan will receive four antigen testing kits upon arrival. They will need to have the test results within 48 hours. Alternatively, they can stay in a quarantine hotel.
In order to obtain a visa, foreign nationals must supply their passport photo. Also, they must fill out the application form for a special entry permit, and provide the required documents. These documents include the proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, and a letter from school or employer.
Residents of Mainland China must join a guided tour and have an Exit and Entry Permit to enter Taiwan. Individuals who wish to travel independently need to have a Permit for Proceeding to Taiwan.
People born in Libya, Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan are not eligible for a visa waiver. However, they may still apply for a tourist or business visa.
Foreign nationals who plan to travel to Taiwan for less than 6 months must apply for a Visitor Visa for Business Purposes. They must submit their supporting documents to the Border Affairs Corps.
First time applicants not born in Hong Kong must hold proof of previous visits to Taiwan, and must pay a NT$600 processing fee. They may also apply online.
Applicants from Bhutan can apply for a tourist visa to travel to Taiwan. A visa is not required for travelers holding valid normal passports from Bhutan, Japan, and Sri Lanka.
If a visitor is not able to obtain a visa, they can still travel to Taiwan. However, they must follow self-initiated epidemic prevention measures for seven days after they arrive.