U.S. Presidential candidates' statements on Taiwan 

(Editor's note: We are listing statements pertaining Taiwan made by the candidates, instead of news analysis on their statements.)

In alphabetical order by the two candidates' last name

Senator John McCain

-- Statement by Senator John McCain on U.S. arms sale to Taiwan, October 7, 2008 (Source: www.johnmccain.com)

ARLINGTON, VA -- Today, U.S. Senator John McCain made the following statement on Taiwan:

"I welcome reports indicating that the sale of defensive arms to Taiwan -- a package that has been on hold for too long -- will now move forward. By notifying Congress of its intent to provide weapons aimed at bolstering Taiwan's self defense, the administration is taking a step in the right direction. I have long supported such sales in order to strengthen deterrence in the Taiwan Strait and to help preserve the peace. American interests in Asia are well-served through faithful implementation of the Taiwan Relations Act, and if I am fortunate enough to be elected President, I will continue the longstanding and close ties between our peoples.

"In that spirit, however, I note that the administration has refrained from providing all of the elements requested by Taiwan for its legitimate security requirements. For example, the package will not include submarines or new F-16 aircraft. I urge the administration to reconsider this decision, in light of its previous commitment to provide submarines and America's previous sales of F-16s. These sales -- which could translate into tens of thousands of jobs here at home -- would help retain America's edge in the production of advanced weaponry and represent a positive sign in these difficult economic times.

"We should seek cooperative and productive relations with China that proceed in a spirit of confidence, and we should promote the improvement of cross-strait relations. As we do, however, we should understand that the possibility of productive ties between Taiwan and China are enhanced, not diminished, when Taipei speaks from a position of strength. I believe that America should continue to sell defensive weapons to Taiwan in the future, in accordance with its security requirements, and stand by this remarkable free and democratic people."

-- Statement By Senator John McCain on Taiwan Election, March 24, 2008 (Source: www.johnmccain.com)

Senator John McCain today issued the following statement on the elections in Taiwan:

I want to congratulate MaYing-jeou of Taiwan on his victory in the presidential election held on March 22nd. Once again we are witnessing the peaceful transfer of political power from one government to another based on ballots in an election that was free and fair. The vigorous campaigning of Ma Ying-jeou of the KMT and the DPP's Frank Hsieh are testimony to the press freedoms, democratic process and the rule of law the Taiwanese people have worked so hard to build. Taiwan's election is a fine example for the region.

-- Senator McCain’s article in Foreign Affairs

Senator John McCain wrote in the November/December 2007 issue of the magazine Foreign Affairs (An Enduring Peace Built on Freedom - Securing America's Future, Page 29):

”When China threatens democratic Taiwan with a massive arsenal of missiles and warlike rhetoric, the United States must take note.”

-- TAIPEI TIMES, “McCain expresses support for Taiwan”, May 04, 2007 (Source: www.taipeitimes.com)

Senator John McCain, a Republican US presidential contender from Arizona, expressed his staunch support for Taiwan on Wednesday on the campaign trail in Los Angeles.

McCain, who fought in the Vietnam War as a US Air Force pilot and who is known for his anti-communist stance, said the US administration should pay more attention to the situation in Asia.

Answering questions from Chinese-language media during a visit to a southern Los Angeles community known as "Little Saigon," McCain reiterated his support for "free and democratic" Taiwan and said he firmly opposed China's military buildup.

He said that cross-Taiwan Strait issues must be addressed through negotiation and that China's intimidation of Taiwan and military threats should never be tolerated.

McCain's support ratings lag behind those of Rudy Giuliani in the campaign for the Republican party's nomination for next year's presidential election, but he has an edge over his rivals in terms of his experience in diplomacy and defense.

-- At the Seattle World Affairs Council, February 23, 2007       

"We see such a success story in Taiwan, whose people no longer comprise a one-party state. I am pleased that the United States helped bring Taiwan into APEC and the World Trade Organization, and it is inspiring to see this vibrant democracy deal with its numerous security challenges. And while the government of Taiwan must not needlessly precipitate a crisis, we have to make clear to China's leaders that attempts to isolate Taiwan internationally or militarily coerce it are unwise. Pointing nearly 900 missiles at Taiwan, passing laws authorize force against the island, and continually practicing amphibious landings are not prudent ways to convince the world of China's peaceful rise.”

-- Interview with FOX NEWS’ Sean Hannity, October 11, 2006

HANNITY: Rearming Japan, a resolution to defend Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, that would all be in the areas that you would suggest to the president at this particular point, remind the Chinese that, in fact, the Olympics are coming?

MCCAIN: Yes. And I would also make it clear to the Chinese that we're not happy with some things, like the currency exchange. We're not happy with their repression of democracy. We're not happy with their failure to progress recently on a path to a free and open society.

And we will continue our steadfast belief that Taiwan will only be reunited to China if it's done in a peaceful manner and the people of Taiwan desire to do so. Until then, we will protect them.

 

Senator Barack Obama

-- Statement by Senator Barack Obama's spokesperson on U.S. arms sale to Taiwan (October 8, 2008)

Senator Obama welcomes the Bush Administration's decision to notify Congress concerning the package of weapons systems for Taiwan.   This package represents an important response to Taiwan's defense needs.  This action is fully consis tent with U.S. obligations under the Taiwan Relations Act.  The sale helps to contribute to Taiwan’s defense and the maintenance of a healthy balance in the Taiwan Strait.  Senator Obama looks forward to fully reviewing the notifications and the accompanying justification of the Department of Defense.

Senator Obama strongly supports the reduction of tensions between China and Taiwan, and commends China's President Hu Jintao and Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeou for their efforts in that regard. A strengthening of Taiwan's defenses will not undermine the process of reduction of tensions and can actually promote it.

Senator Obama regrets that China has responded by suspending military-to-military exchanges with the U.S. and nonproliferation talks.  These discussions are in the interest of both sides, and should be resumed,” said Wendy Morigi, national security spokesperson.

-- Statement By Senator Barack Obama on Taiwan Elections, March 22, 2008 (Source: www.barackobama.com)

On March 22, the people of Taiwan went to the polls for the fourth time in 12 years to elect their President.  I offer my congratulations to President-elect Ma for his victory, and best wishes for his presidency. 

The people of Taiwan deserve our respect and admiration for this free and fair election, which is just the latest step in consolidating a democracy that has advanced over the last two decades.  I hope the People’s Republic of China responds to this election in a positive, constructive, and forward-leaning way.  It is important for Beijing to demonstrate to the people of Taiwan that the practical and non-confrontational approach that President-elect Ma promises to take toward the Mainland will be met with good faith and progress.  The PRC should reduce the military threat to Taiwan by drawing back the missiles it has deployed in southeast China and by other security confidence-building measures.  And on issues such as Taiwan’s observer status in the World Health Organization, where the health of all Chinese people is at stake, it should allow Taiwan greater international space.

The United States should respond to Ma Ying-jeou’s election by rebuilding a relationship of trust and support for Taiwan’s democracy.  The U.S. should reopen blocked channels of communication with Taiwan officials.  We should continue to provide the arms necessary for Taiwan to deter possible aggression.  And we should encourage both Taipei and Beijing to build commercial, cultural, and other ties, laying the groundwork for a closer relationship and ultimately movement toward resolution of their differences.  We should maintain our “one China” policy, our adherence to the three U.S.-PRC Joint Communiques concerning Taiwan, and observance of the Taiwan Relations Act, which lays out the legal basis for our relationship.  

March 22nd was a good day for the people of Taiwan, for the forces of democracy around the world, and for peace and stability in the western Pacific.  I will do all that I can to support Taiwan’s democracy in the years ahead.

-- On Chinese Vice Premier’s visit to Washington, May 23, 2007  (Source: Congressional Record)

   Mr. OBAMA. Mr. President, I wish to comment on the visit of Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi to Washington. This visit comes at an important time for the U.S.-China relationship and highlights the enormous stakes involved.

   As I have said in the past, China's rise offers great opportunity but also poses serious challenges. It is critical the U.S. do all it can to ensure that China's rise is peaceful and its trade practices fair, and under those conditions, the United States should welcome China's continuing emergence and prosperity.

   At the same time, we must remain prepared to respond should China’s rise take a problematic turn. This means maintaining our military presence in the Asia-Pacific region, strengthening our alliances, and making clear to both Beijing and Taipei that a unilateral change in the status quo in the Taiwan Strait is unacceptable.

    Also, though today China's military spending is one-tenth of ours, we must monitor closely China's strategic capabilities while also pushing for greater transparency of its defense activities.

   Although we must remain vigilant in monitoring these potential developments, our two nations also should strive to build a relationship that broadens areas of cooperation where we share mutual interests, as we have done to respond to the nonproliferation challenge posed by North Korea. And we should strengthen our ability to manage our differences effectively. While we must never hesitate to be clear and consistent with China where we disagree--whether on protection of intellectual property rights, the manipulation of its currency, human rights, or the right stance on Sudan and Iran--these differences, as a general rule, should not prevent progress in areas where our interests intersect.

……….........

-- Senator Obama's congratulatory letter to President Ma, May 20, 2008

Dear President Ma:

Please accept my warmest congratulations on your inauguration as the new President of Taiwan. This is an important event in the political
history of the island, one which can deepen the ties between the United States and Taiwan. A sound U.S.-Taiwan relationship will certainly be the goal of my Administration. Your inauguration also holds promise for more peaceful and stable relations between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits, in no small measure because you have extended the hand of peace and cooperation to Beijing.

Your election is the latest step in consolidating a democracy that has advanced over the last two decades. The people of Taiwan showed great maturity by endorsing a track of peace, prosperity, and good relations with the United States.

I sincerely hope the People's Republic of China will respond to the beginning of your presidency in a constructive and forward-leaning way. It is
important for Beijing to demonstrate to the people of Taiwan that the practical and non-confrontational approach that you have taken towards the Mainland can achieve positive results. I hope that there will be progress on issues including development of economic ties, expanding Taiwan's international space, and cross-Straits security, on which you have made proposals that deserve a good-faith response.

I support the "one China" policy of the United States, adherence to the three U.S.-PRC Joint Communiqués concerning Taiwan, and observance of the Taiwan Relations Act. On that foundation, I believe that the United States should strengthen channels of communication with officials of your government. We should continue to provide the arms necessary for Taiwan to deter possible aggression. And we should support your efforts to build closer ties with the Mainland that will lay the groundwork for a more stable and predictable relationship.

Your election on March 22nd and your inauguration on May 20th were good days for the people of Taiwan, for the forces of democracy around the world,and for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and western Pacific. I will do all that I can to support Taiwan's democracy in the years ahead.

With best wishes,

Barack Obama