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United
States Senate
Washington,
DC 20510
September
11, 2002
The
Honorable Carl Levin
The
Honorable John Warner
Senate
committee on Armed Services
United
States Senate
Washington,
DC 20510
Dear
Chairman Levin and Ranking Member Warner:
During
conference on the FY2003 Defense Authorization Bill, we
urge you to include Section 1202 (HR4546) - AStrengthening
the Defense of Taiwan@
- in the final bill. As you know, Section 1202 directs the
Department of Defense to implement a comprehensive plan
to enhance Taiwan=s
self-defense capability.
This
summer, the Department of Defense AAnnual
Report on the Military Power of the People=s
Republic of China@
and the report to congress from the US-China Security review
Commission highlighted the very serious threat that Taiwan
faces from the rapid build-up of Chinese military power
across the Taiwan Straits. Continued U.S. arms sales to
Taiwan are absolutely imperative to addressing this threat
from the mainland. However, like the members of the House
Armed Services Committee, we believe that Aweapons
sales alone do not guarantee@
Taiwan=s
ability to defend itself. AThese
systems are only as effective as the military personnel
trained to operate, integrate, and employ them.@
To this end, we believe there is a strategic need to enhance
the training of Taiwanese forces as detailed ain the House
provision.
Section
1202 reinforces the United States=
commitment, both in policy and law, to defend Taiwan. And
it addresses a clear need. We encourage its adoption by
the Conference Committee.
Thank
you for your time and consideration. We look forward to
working with you as Congress seeks to protect Taiwan and
enhance stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Sincerely,
Senator
Jesse Helms Senator
Robert Torricelli
Senator
Jon Kyl Senator Tim
Johnson
Senator
George Allen Senator
Robert Smith
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