Established in 1982 in Los Angeles, the Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA) is a world-wide, Washington headquartered, non-profit organization that:

1.    Promotes international support for the right of the people of Taiwan to establish an independent and democratic country, and to join the international community; and

2.     Promotes peace and security for Taiwan.

In 1983, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed S.R.74 stating that "Taiwan's future should be settled peacefully, free of coercion and in a manner acceptable to the people of Taiwan."

In 1990, H.CON.RES.293 was introduced stating that "in determining the future of Taiwan, the will and wishes of the people on the island should be taken into account through effective democratic mechanisms, such as a plebiscite."

In 1991, H.CON.RES.248 stated that "the authorities on Taiwan should permit the return of all citizens of Taiwan who are committed to peaceful political change."

In 1996, H.CON.RES.148 passed stating that "the United States military forces should defend Taiwan in the event of invasion, missile attack, or blockade by the People's Republic of China."

In 1996, H.CON.RES.212 passed, stating "that for the efficiency of the United Nations, Taiwan's participation would be desirable and valuable."

In 1997, H.R.2386 passed, stating that "the United States should help Taiwan defend itself in case of threats or a military attack by the People's Republic of China against Taiwan."

In 1998, H.CON.RES.334 passed, stating that "Taiwan and its 21,000,000 people should have appropriate and meaningful participation in the World Health Organization."

FAPA's mission is educational. The organization provides US policy makers, the media, scholars and the general public with information, books, pamphlets and papers on issues related to Taiwan. FAPA also informs and updates Members of Congress and their staff on Taiwanese issues. FAPA seeks to articulate the people of Taiwan 's point of view in the intensifying Taiwan debate.

FAPA sees support for democratization as beneficial to American interests, since a more open society in Taiwan will help foster safety, security and peace in the Pacific Basin.

As a proponent of democracy in Taiwan, FAPA believes that all the residents of the island must have equal rights. FAPA rejects any system that would discriminate against one part of Taiwanese society. Democracy not only means majority rule, it also guarantees the right of the minority!