Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS)

The Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) is an organization established by the Chinese government to facilitate unofficial communication and negotiations with Taiwan, which considers itself separate but has complex political ties with China. ARATS operates as a practical channel for managing issues like trade, travel, and investment, avoiding direct political conflict. It works alongside its Taiwanese counterpart, the Straits Exchange Foundation, to promote stability and economic cooperation across the Taiwan Strait. While not an official government body, ARATS plays a key role in maintaining dialogue and managing relations between the two entities.