American support for Taiwan made China reluctant to improve relations with the US. The Vietnam War
Obviously war with Taiwan itself, but then also with countries which would seek to defend Taiwan. The US Government has indicated it would do this.
Taiwan does not currently ( May 2014) have a war going on.
The Korean War 1950-1953, against Red China. Nationalist China (Taiwan) was an ally with the US.
King Pu-Tsung is the Representative to the US for Taiwan.
US-Taiwan Business Council was created in 1976.
The year that Taiwan started to export furniture to the US was in the 1990s. Some of the other things that Taiwan exports to the US are apparel, electronics, and books.
American support for Taiwan The Vietnam War
Told to stay out of it, lest Red China enter the war in retaliation. 2nd answer Taiwan was a strategic base for the airlift and fighter wings, to refuel and re-arm, because their position was close and convenient. and because of this war, Taiwan and US expanded many military installations (naval, air) on the island that became the main bases of ROC military today. The role of Taiwan (ROC) was also to sent personnel to S.V as military advisers. Many of taiwan's fighters were transferred to USAF for emergency responds.
Taiwan, formerly known as Formosa, also called Nationalist China.
The US and Red China engaged in war only once, during the Korean War (1950-1953). Korea was a limited war (limited to conventional weapons only=no nukes). Nationalist China (Taiwan) was a US ally during the cold war period.
Taipei is the capital of Taiwan. It is important in that Taiwan can be counted on as a friendly nation to the US in East Asia. Taiwan is also a trading partner with the US.