Canada Remains U.S. Lynchpin Ally (TAIWAN)

President Barack Obama, reflecting recent predecessors, made Canada his first foreign destination in office with a brief visit on Thursday, Feb. 19. He and Prime Minister Stephen Harper found common environmental ground and avoided open clash on the “Buy American” provision of the U.S. economic stimulus plan.

These considerations are related to wider international relationships, both directly and indirectly. Concerning China and Taiwan, the conflict over United Nations membership is an enduring difficulty that spans both Cold War and post-Cold War relations among nations and with international organizations. At the same time, the steady growth of their bilateral trade and investment, in the context of evolving global economic relations, encourages participation of both in international organizations.

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