CONCERNING THE SAFETY, SECURITY, AND FREEDOM OF THE PEOPLE OF TAIWAN

HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS OF NEW JERSEY
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Thursday, June 26, 2003

Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, fifty-four years ago, on June 27, 1949, President Harry Truman deployed the US Navy's 7th Fleet to the Taiwan Strait to protect Taiwan against the possibility of an invasion by the People's Republic of China (PRC). Since then, we have committed ourselves to defending Taiwan, as enshrined in the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979. President Bush himself declared in 2001 that America would do whatever it takes to defend Taiwan. In light of the threat posed by the PRC's military buildup in Fukien, we must unequivocally stand by our promises to support Taiwan. America cannot afford to lose a democracy in such a volatile region - and the people of Taiwan cannot afford to lose their safety, security, and freedom.

I rise today to call attention to an important resolution that I introduced today concerning the safety and security of Taiwan, and the right of Taiwan's 23 million people to determine their own future. In the past two decades, Taiwan has undergone a remarkable transformation from a one party, martial law dictatorship to a full-fledged democracy that respects human rights and human freedoms. Time and again, Taiwan has proven herself one of America's staunchest allies, recently pledging her support for continued humanitarian aid to both Afghanistan and Iraq. At the same time, however, Taiwan's democracy faces a serious military threat from the People's Republic of China. The PRC continues to regard Taiwan as a renegade province, despite the fact that it has never exercised control over the island. The PRC continues to openly entertain the use of force against Taiwan, thereby jeopardizing the stability of the entire Asian Pacific region.

A Washington Post report of June 11, 2003, reveals the PRC's plans to build up its military for the purpose of "unification with Taiwan." Already, the PRC has set up 400 short-range ballistic missiles in the province of Fukien, directly targeted at Taiwan, in addition to purchasing advanced weaponry systems, such as fighter aircrafts, submarines, and destroyers. The Washington Post reports that the PRC is accelerating its military acquisitions and notes that this buildup is "intended to create a force capable of bullying Taiwan and thwarting US intervention in any conflict between China and Taiwan." In other words, the PRC is preparing to use force and coercion to take over a territory it has no legal right to, and to impose its totalitarian ideology on a people who have fought long and hard for their freedom, and who have no wish to live under Communist rule.

The resolution I introduced today is a step towards protecting a fellow democracy from the threat of Chinese aggression. The resolution calls on the Bush Administration to seek from the leaders of the PRC a public and immediate renunciation of any threat or use of force against Taiwan. This includes the dismantling of the Fukien missiles and other military apparatus designed to intimidate Taiwan. The Administration must let the PRC government know that America will no longer tolerate the constant harassment targeted towards the people of Taiwan. If the PRC government refuses to dismantle the missiles, the Administration should then authorize the release of the Aegis system to Taiwan, enabling Taiwan to defend itself against any Chinese attack.

Mr. Speaker, these PRC missiles in Fukien province are not conducive to a peaceful resolution of current Taiwanese-Chinese relations. We can not expect the people of Taiwan to live their daily lives under such threatening and uncertain conditions. In the name of democracy, we must ensure that the future of Taiwan is determined peacefully, and with the expressed consent of the Taiwanese people. Also, I urge both my colleagues and the Administration to support Taiwanese efforts to hold a referendum vote on the issue of admittance into the World Health Organization (WHO). The people of Taiwan deserve to have their voices heard in this ongoing debate, the outcome of which will have a monumental effect on their health and well-being. As the foremost promoter of freedom and democracy around the world, we can not in good faith deter the people of Taiwan from holding their referendum. There can be no double standard when it comes to exercising democracy.

Mr. Speaker, no group but the citizenry of Taiwan has the right to determine the future of Taiwan. I ask that my colleagues join me in supporting democracy for the Taiwanese people, and ensuring their safety and security. Let's ensure that it will never be necessary to send the 7th Fleet to the Taiwan Strait again.