On April 10, 1979, in the aftermath of the severance of diplomatic ties with the ROC, the U.S. Congress passes the Taiwan Relations Act in order to define and guide the future relationship with Taiwan, as well as to ensure continued U.S. support for the ROC. The bill calls all non-peaceful means to determine the future of Taiwan, including boycotts and embargoes, "a threat to the peace and security of the Western Pacific area and of grave concern to the United States." The United States would provide arms to Taiwan "of a defensive character" to ensure that Taiwan can maintain "a sufficient self-defense capability." The bill also establishes institutions such as the American Institute in Taiwan for the conduct of unofficial relations with Taiwan.

Taiwan Relations Act (PDF)