Ask you to check that the various mobile devices have been silenced or turned off as we prepare to begin. For everyone inhouse there will be a slight shift in the program agenda. Our keynote will now follow our first panel, but it will also occur before the break that is scheduled before the second panel. So, opening our discussion today will be dr. Lee edwards, distinguished fellow and conservative thought here at the Heritage Foundation. Please join me in welcoming dr. Edwards. [applause] good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. And welcome to the Heritage Foundation. We thank you so much for coming out today. August is something of a slow month in washington, dc, and were so pleased that we could attract some of this Towns Limited attention to the matter of u. S. Taiwan relations. And i extend a warm welcome to our speakers, panelists, and of course, to you, members of the audience. Particularly want to offer my appreciation to the Taiwan Benevolent Association of america, and the inst