On June 2, 2001, there are six letters to the editor appeared in Houston Chronicle regarding President Chen Shui-bian's visits to Houston. Please find the below.

Taiwan President Chen's visit a unifying symbol

1. Future up to Taiwan

The May 29 Chronicle article "Showdown for Taiwan leader" was extremely biased and unprofessional, quoting only pro-China people and none of the Taiwanese in the community groups mentioned, so it is not difficult to understand why there was no support shown for Taiwan 's freely elected president.

U.S. policy does not support "Taiwan 's return to Chinese control." The 1979 communiqué stated that the United States "acknowledges the Chinese position that there is one China and that Taiwan is part of China." To acknowledge simply means to take note of and does not imply acceptance of China's position.

U.S. policy is based on a peaceful, mutually agreed upon resolution of the Taiwan Strait issue, a resolution that, because Taiwan is now a democracy, has the consent of the people of Taiwan .

All options are open, especially independence, which is considered most attractive by the Taiwanese people, as evidenced by their electing Chen Shui-bian as their president.

Many in the Taiwanese-American community strongly support President Chen's visit and are proud of the democratic transformation of our homeland. We believe deeply that the people of Taiwan - not autocrats in Beijing - should determine Taiwan 's future.

John Chieu, Houston

2. China is not our friend

President George W. Bush's extension of trade privileges to China for another year was a bad idea, as well as tough to explain. Bush claimed that open trade is a "force of freedom in China, a force of stability for Asia and a force for prosperity in the United States." This is too optimistic a view, given the events of the past few months, which include our downed military reconnaissance plane, its 24 crew members taken hostage for 11 days, and, most recently, the military exercises begun by China last week on the island of Dongshan. These incidents cannot be considered constructive in improving relations between Taiwan and China.

Taiwan is our ally and democratic friend, and Bush affirms our unwavering support for Taiwan . With the threat that China poses, why do we extend to her the same benefits and tariff rates we give to our friends and allies around the world? China is not the same.

Lionel C. McBee, Houston

3. One-Taiwan policy best

"Showdown for Taiwan leader" erroneously leads readers to believe that supporters of Taiwanese independence are a minority in Houston's Asian community. The article claimed that "only a small number of Taiwanese support Taiwan 's independence." The reporter, Chunhua Zen Zheng, is obviously for the one-China policy and opposes Taiwan 's independence%3B his article allowed no rebuttal from Houston's Taiwanese community.

Yet, Taiwan existed long before communism. It is time now for a true Taiwanese voice to emerge - a voice not constrained by an obtrusive government. If anyone can explain the benefits of having a communist dictatorship absorb a peaceful, democratic nation, he should explain away. Until then, he can keep his one-China policy and I will support a one-Taiwan policy.

Matthew Altizer, Houston

4. Twice proud of Taiwan

As Houston welcomes democratically elected President Chen Shui-bian of Taiwan , the Taiwanese-American community is doubly proud: We are proud of the full blossom of democracy in our native land, and we are proud that Taiwan stands as a model of democracy, respecting human rights and encompassing religious freedoms.

We are extremely proud to be Americans, too. Without U.S. support, Taiwan would have a hard time facing very barbarous surroundings. The U.S. example of respect for the rule of law and for the democratic rights of all people has been an inspiration to Taiwan in its struggle to have the same.

Just like for the United States, the triumph of democracy in Taiwan was a hard-fought victory. Today, Taiwan stands as a sovereign nation - proud of its history, ready to take its rightful place in international society and to work with all freedom-loving nations to build a better world.

Welcoming President Chen to Houston is one small step forward in recognizing Taiwan 's accomplishments and welcoming Taiwan into the community of nations.

Kuen-Sheng Chiou, Sugar Land

5.  Not a part of China

Taiwanese-Americans would like Edward Hegstrom to know that Washington has not agreed to "support the eventual return of Taiwan to Chinese control" ("Fragile relationship%3B Taiwan leader's visit fanning political embers," Chronicle, May 24). Also, Taiwan was far from being "sparsely populated" in 1949 - our ancestors started coming to Taiwan in the 1600s.

Through sacrifice and hard work, Taiwan has established an independent, democratic government. The Taiwanese people no more want to be part of China than Americans want to be part of England.

Cheng Y. Chuang, Houston

6. Value most appreciated

It is not fair to Taiwan 's president to have the burden of all the differing political agendas placed on his visit to Houston. Taiwan 's ubiquitous existence on the international platform is the most effective way to steer China toward democratic reform and ultimately will be in the best interest of Americans.

I am thrilled that President George W. Bush is standing firm and living up to our country's principles. It will be Mayor Lee Brown's prerogative to extend Houston's welcome in the name of our nation's most appreciated value: democracy.

I ask those Chinese who are against the Taiwan president's visit here to give this a thought: Why did we come to this country in the first place? What is it we yearn for that drove us to leave our homeland behind?

J.R. Fang, Houston