CURRENT STATUS OF RELATIONS BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND TAIWAN -- HON. PETE SESSIONS (Extensions of Remarks - February 24, 2004)

HON. PETE SESSIONS

OF TEXAS

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2004

• Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, in the last ninety years, Taiwan and the United States of America have been allies, partners, and friends. In times of need and turmoil, both countries have always come to each other's aid. In the aftermath of the tragedies of September 11th, 2001 Taiwan immediately offered condolences to the victims of those terrorist attacks, expressed shock over the attacks and condemned such violence. Moreover, to show solidarity with the American people, Taiwan's government ordered flags be flown at half-mast for two days, took every action to protect U.S. citizens on the island, including stepped-up security at the American Institute in Taiwan, and asked all Taiwan offices in the U.S. to cancel their National Day celebrations.

• Today Taiwan is under pressure by China. China accuses Taiwan's planned peace referendum as a move toward Taiwanese independence and says it would push Taiwan to the ``abyss of war.'' Such rhetoric is a clear distortion of Taiwan's true intent. In the face of an overwhelming military threat against Taiwan, Taiwanese president Chen Shui-bian in this referendum is asking his voters whether they should buy more anti-missile weapons if China refuses to withdraw missiles targeted at Taiwan and whether Taiwan should open up talks with China about issues of peace.

• Taiwan has no intention to provoke China into conflict. It merely aims to avoid war and free its people from the fear that they now face on a daily basis. Taiwan, our ally and friend, is a democracy with a competitive party system and they should have the inherent right to self-determine their own policies and the future of the island without the prospect of fear. I sincerely urge a continuation of peace across the Taiwan straits as well as the good relations between the Taiwanese people and Americans.