Congress of the United States

Washington, DC 20515

April 4, 2001

Support Arms Sales to Taiwan

Dear Colleague:

We are concerned about the military imbalance in the Taiwan Strait. The Department of Defense has amply documented the growing missile threat by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to Taiwan. Today, at least 200 Chinese missiles are pointed at Taiwan, increasing by the rate of 50 per year.

Last month we introduced HCR67 which calls upon the United States to reaffirm its commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), to seek a renunciation of force by the PRC against Taiwan, and to recognize Taiwan's significant defense needs and thus approve the sale of advanced weapons systems that are legitimately needed for defensive purposes.

There has been a constant tug-of-war in U.S. policy toward Taiwan since 1979. Over the years, Congress has had to remind Presidents that the law of the land was the TRA. Communiqués of the Executive Branch have been statements or memorandums of understanding, which do not have the same force as this legislation.

Please join us in urging the President to honor our commitment, to ensuring that Taiwan’s level of self-defense remains on the same level as the threats it faces today.

If you have any questions, feel free to call Charles Mathews at Rep. Andrews’ office at 5-6501 or Marcus Dunn at Rep. Hefley’s office at 5-4422.

Sincerely,

Robert Andrews                                                          Joe Hefley

Member of Congress                                                   Member of Congress