NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20504 

May 31, 2001 

Dear Dr. Chen:

Thank you for your letter regarding U.S. support for Taiwan.   Please allow me to respond on behalf of the President.

There should be no question that the Bush Administration attaches importance to the U.S. obligation to help Taiwan maintain a sufficient self-defense capability.  This Administration is firmly committed to fulfilling the security and arms sales provisions of the Taiwan Relations Act, as the recent decisions on Taiwan’s request for defense articles and services demonstrate.  We believe that a more secure Taiwan is more likely to enter into constructive dialogue with the mainland.  Any resolution of cross-Strait differences must be through peaceful means.

Again, thank you for sharing your views on this important matter.

Sincerely,

Kenneth Jarrett

Director for Asian Affairs