《台灣關係法》是一部現行的美國國內法,條文中提到美國政府在一些方面繼續給予台灣當局(Taiwan Authorities)與外國、外國政府或類似實體同等的待遇。這是由於美國取消對中華民國的政府承認而無法擁有外交關係後,雙方關係無法以「國際條約」規範之,因此以美國國內法規範。《台灣關係法》35年來對西太平洋的穩定、和平,對台灣的安全、人權以及台美之間的往來都有很大的助益與保障。但相對於美國的《台灣關係法》,國際社會目前並無其他國家有類似的立法,惟此點並不表示這些國家沒有在這方面進行努力。迄今為止,有過相近主張或提案的國家主要是日本和加拿大。本文將針對日本推行類似《台灣關係法》的立法經緯進行背景說明,並就其內容與意義加以闡述與評析。
The 1979 Taiwan Relation Act is a domestic law of the U.S.A. based on which the U.S.A. promises to give Taiwan Authorities the same treatment as it provides to foreign states, foreign governments or similar entities. The Act has been enacted due to the relation between Taiwan and the U.S.A could no longer be governed by the international treaties ever since the latter withdrew its recognition to the R.O.C governments. Nevertheless, the 1979 Taiwan Relation Act enforced over 35 years by far has contributed tremendously to the stability and peace of the west Pacific region and also safeguarded the Taiwan’s security and human rights as well as the international relations between U.S.A. and Taiwan. Except for the Taiwan Relation Act, there has been no second paradigm of the like enactment enforced to govern the international relations with Taiwan. Yet, this does not mean that intentions and efforts of other states are lacking. As a matter of fact, Japan and Canada have proposed similar arrangements to govern the relation with Taiwan. This article aims to explain the legislative background of the like Taiwan Relation Act proposed by Japanese government and to provide analysis on the meaning and contents thereof.