American Institute in Taiwan

The Taiwan Relations Act (Public Law 96-8, April 10, 1979), hereinafter referred to as the TRA, requires that programs, transactions, and other relations conducted and carried out by any agency of the USG with respect to Taiwan shall be conducted and carried out by or through the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT).  AIT has its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, and two offices in Taiwan, a large one in Taipei (AIT/T), and a small one in Kaohsiung (AIT/K).  It is also responsible for administering support to students attending the Chinese Language School in Taipei on behalf of the Foreign Service Institute of the Department of State. 

AIT’s Taiwan counterpart was established as the Coordination Council for North American Affairs (CCNAA).  This name was later changed to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO).  TECRO has an office in Washington, D.C., and branch offices in other cities of the U.S.  Under the 2013 Privileges & Immunities Agreement between AIT and TECRO, employees of both organizations receive functional immunities and tax-exempt privileges that would normally be associated with foreign diplomats. 

AIT is incorporated as a non-profit corporation under the laws of the District of Columbia.  It is funded by Congress as a line item in the Department of State budget and operates pursuant to a contract with the Department of State.  This contract requires AIT to carry out its functions in accordance with government regulations, including the Foreign Affairs Manual and the Federal Acquisitions Regulations, to the maximum extent possible.