The Lobbying Activities Of Formosan Association For Public Affairs In The U.S.

The US foreign policy-making is a complicated political process affected by lots of elements.One of the most important elements is the interest groups.It has been one of the unique features of American politics that the interest groups can play such an important role in the process.Formosan Association for Public Affairs(FAPA),one interest group focusing on Taiwan-related issues,was founded by some Taiwanese American with the purpose of “Taiwan Independence”.Lobbying activities of FAPA have exerted negative political influence over US decision-making towards Taiwan.For decades,this group has conducted continuous lobbying activities in US to enhance U.S.-Taiwan relations and expand the “international space” of Taiwan.This thesis selects the so-called “UN Membership for Taiwan” movement to analyze lobbying activities of FAPA so as to study its nature.According to the thesis,because of the unique political system and environment of US,FAPA can conduct lobbying activities in US effectively.FAPA's lobbying activities in US on the so-called “UN Membership for Taiwan” movement have been reaching the peak and also touching the trough.But generally,these lobbying activities have exerted a negative political influence over the development of China – U.S.relations and the stability across the Taiwan Straits.During the process of lobbying in US,the relations between FAPA and Taiwan authorities was complicated,and has experienced from confrontation to cooperation.Although Taiwan-related lobby groups has played some roles in US policy towards Taiwan,in fact,it can not change US national strategic interests,and also can not achieve radical goals of “Taiwan independence”,such as the so-called “UN Membership for Taiwan”.