July 14, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5757 the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. People’s Republic of China in areas adjacent (7) the United States Government should SMITH) that the House suspend the to the Taiwan Strait is a threat to the peace not discourage current officials of the Tai- rules and concur in the Senate concur- and security of the Western Pacific area; wan Government from visiting the United rent resolution, S. Con. Res. 114. Whereas section 3 of the Taiwan Relations States on the basis that doing so would vio- Act (22 U.S.C. 3302) requires that the United late the ‘‘one China policy’’. The question was taken. States Government will make available de- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the fense articles and defense services in such opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of quantity as may be necessary to enable Tai- ant to the rule, the gentleman from those present have voted in the affirm- wan to maintain a sufficient self-defense ca- New Jersey (Mr. SMITH) and the gen- ative. pability; tleman from California (Mr. LANTOS) Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, on that I Whereas the Taiwan Relations Act requires each will control 20 minutes. demand the yeas and nays. the United States to maintain the capacity Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, is either The yeas and nays were ordered. to resist any resort to force or other forms of gentleman opposed to the bill? The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- coercion that would jeopardize the security, Mr. LANTOS. No, Mr. Speaker. I am ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the or the social or economic system, of the peo- ple of Taiwan; strongly in support of this legislation. Chair’s prior announcement, further Whereas the Taiwan Relations Act affirms Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I seek time proceedings on this motion will be the preservation and enhancement of the in opposition. postponed. human rights of the people of Taiwan as an The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- f objective of the United States; tleman from Texas (Mr. PAUL) will con- Whereas Taiwan serves as a model of demo- trol 20 minutes in opposition. GENERAL LEAVE cratic reform for the People’s Republic of The Chair recognizes the gentleman Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. China; from New Jersey (Mr. SMITH). Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Whereas Taiwan’s 1996 election was the Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. all Members may have 5 legislative first time in five millennia of recorded Chi- nese history that a democratically elected Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that days within which to revise and extend president took office; my time be equally divided with the their remarks and include extraneous Whereas Taiwan’s democracy has deepened gentleman from California (Mr. LAN- material on H.R. 1587, as amended. with a peaceful transfer of power from one TOS). The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there political party to another after the presi- objection to the request of the gen- dential election of 2000; The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there tleman from New Jersey? Whereas the relationship between the objection to the request of the gen- There was no objection. United States and Taiwan has deepened with tleman from New Jersey? Taiwan’s evolution into a full-fledged, multi- There was no objection. f party democracy that respects human rights Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. REAFFIRMING UNWAVERING COM- and civil liberties; Speaker, I yield myself such time as I MITMENT TO TAIWAN RELA- Whereas high-level visits between govern- may consume. TIONS ACT ment officials of the United States and Tai- wan are not inconsistent with the ‘‘one Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. China policy’’; and of H. Con. Res. 462, a resolution re- Speaker, I move to suspend the rules Whereas any attempt to determine Tai- affirming the unwavering support of and agree to the concurrent resolution wan’s future by other than peaceful means the Congress for the Taiwan Relations (H. Con. Res. 462) reaffirming unwaver- and other than with the express consent of Act. This year marks the 25th anniver- ing commitment to the Taiwan Rela- the people of Taiwan would be considered of sary of the enactment of the Taiwan tions Act, and for other purposes. grave concern to the United States: Now, Relations Act, one of Congress’ most therefore, be it The Clerk read as follows: important and enduring pieces of legis- Resolved by the House of Representatives (the lation. Over the past quarter century, H. CON. RES. 462 Senate concurring), That— Whereas April 10, 2004, marked the 25th an- (1) Congress reaffirms its unwavering com- the Act has served as the foundation of niversary of the enactment of the Taiwan mitment to the Taiwan Relations Act (22 the United States’ relationship with Relations Act (22 U.S.C. 3301 et seq.), codi- U.S.C. 3301 et seq.) as the cornerstone of the people of Taiwan and has ensured fying in law the basis for continued commer- United States relations with Taiwan; the island’s security. On this anniver- cial, cultural, and other relations between (2) the military modernization and weap- sary, it is fitting and appropriate for the United States and Taiwan; ons procurement program of the People’s Re- the Congress to review the cross-strait Whereas it is and will continue to be public of China is a matter of grave concern, issue and reassess the needs of our United States policy to further encourage and particularly the current deployment of friends in Taiwan. and expand these extensive commercial, cul- approximately 500 missiles directed toward tural, and other relations between the people Taiwan; In contrast to many other pieces of of the United States and the people of Tai- (3) the President should direct all appro- 25-year-old legislation, the Taiwan Re- wan during the next quarter century; priate United States Government officials to lations Act has exceeded expectations. Whereas since its enactment in 1979 the raise these grave concerns regarding mili- The Act has allowed the United States Taiwan Relations Act has been instrumental tary threats to Taiwan with officials of the to maintain its close ties with the peo- in maintaining peace, security, and stability Government of the People’s Republic of ple of Taiwan while actively engaging in the Taiwan Strait; China; Asia’s rising power, the People’s Re- Whereas when the Taiwan Relations Act (4) the President and Congress should de- public of China, on a myriad of fronts, was enacted, it affirmed that the decision of termine whether the escalating arms build- the United States to establish diplomatic re- up, including deployment of offensive weap- including human rights. In doing so, lations with the People’s Republic of China onry and missiles in areas adjacent to the the measure has been important to the was based on the expectation that the future Taiwan Strait, requires that additional de- maintenance of peace and stability of Taiwan would be determined by peaceful fense articles and services be made available across the Taiwan Strait and through- means; to Taiwan, and the United States Govern- out the entire Western Pacific region. Whereas the Government of the People’s ment should encourage the leadership of Tai- The Taiwan Relations Act has also Republic of China refuses to renounce the wan to devote sufficient financial resources played an indirect role in promoting use of force against Taiwan; to the defense of their island; Whereas the Department of Defense report (5) as recommended by the U.S.-China Eco- democracy in Taiwan by providing the entitled ‘‘Annual Report on the Military nomic and Security Review Commission, the conditions of external security that Power of the People’s Republic of China,’’ Department of Defense should provide a com- have allowed the people of Taiwan to dated July 30, 2003, documents that the Gov- prehensive report on the nature and scope of focus on internal reform and democra- ernment of the People’s Republic of China is military sales by the Russian Federation to tization. seeking coercive military options to resolve the People’s Republic of China to the Com- In the years since Congress passed the Taiwan issue and, as of the date of the mittees on International Relations and the Taiwan Relations Act in 1979, Tai- report, has deployed approximately 450 Armed Services of the House of Representa- wan has developed into a lively and short-range ballistic missiles against Taiwan tives and Committees on Foreign Relations and is adding 75 missiles per year to this ar- and Armed Services of the Senate; successful democracy, a tribute to the senal; (6) the President should encourage further courage and determination of the is- Whereas the escalating arms buildup of dialogue between democratic Taiwan and the land’s remarkable people. The 1996 missiles and other offensive weapons by the People’s Republic of China; and presidential election in Taiwan was the

VerDate May 21 2004 05:03 Jul 15, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00101 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14JY7.161 H14PT1 H5758 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 14, 2004 first time in China’s 5 millennia of re- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of tack on our national security. Some corded history that a fully democrat- my time. say that if Taiwan would be attacked, ically elected government assumed of- Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- it would be. But, quite frankly, it is a fice. The election of 2000, which re- self such time as I may consume. stretch to say that settling that dis- sulted in a peaceful transfer of power (Mr. PAUL asked and was given per- pute over there has something to do from one political party to another, mission to revise and extend his re- with an attack on our national secu- evidenced a deepening democratic sys- marks.) rity. tem. Two months ago, Taiwan com- Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I would like Economics is another issue. We are pleted its third direct presidential elec- to start off by saying that I really do running out of money; and these end- tion. not have a lot of disagreement with less commitments, military commit- The U.S. has watched this island na- what the chairman has to say, because ments and commitments overseas, can- tion develop into a mature, robust, vi- I certainly think we should be friends not go on forever. Our national debt is brant democracy that respects human with Taiwan. I believe our goals are going up between $600 billion and $700 rights and civil liberties. Knowledge of very similar. It is just that the ap- billion a year, so eventually my argu- our shared values has strengthened the proach I have would be quite different. ments will win out, because we are commitment of Americans to stand by I happen to believe that we have ig- going to run out of money and this the people of Taiwan. nored for too long in this country and country is going to go broke. So there In contrast to Taiwan, Mr. Speaker, in this body the foreign policy that was is an economic argument against that. the mainland has failed to implement designed by our Founders, a foreign Also, looking for guidance in the meaningful political reform, and the policy of nonintervention. I think it is Constitution. It is very clear that the PRC’s respect for fundamental human better for us. I think it is healthy in all Constitution does not give us this au- rights has deteriorated. Furthermore, ways, both financially and in that it thority to assume responsibility for ev- the People’s Republic of China has keeps us out of wars, and we are al- erybody, and to assume the entire re- adopted a more aggressive military lowed to build friendships with all the sponsibility for Taiwan is more than I posture towards Taiwan. Over the past nations of the world. The politics of can read into the Constitution. 5 years, the PRC has dramatically in- nonintervention should be given some But the issue I want to talk about creased its stockpile of weapons. serious consideration. more than those first three is really Today, China has approximately 500 Usually, the argument given me for the practical approach to what we are missiles aimed at Taiwan, a matter of that is that 200 years ago or 250 years doing. I happen to believe that the pol- grave concern to the freedom-loving ago things were different. Today we icy of the One-China Policy does not people of Taiwan and to all of us here have had to go through the Cold War make a whole lot of sense. We want in the United States. Given China’s re- and communism; and, therefore, we are Taiwan to be protected, so we say we fusal to renounce the use of force a powerful Nation and we have an em- have a One-China Policy, which oc- against Taiwan, the arms buildup is a pire to protect; and we have this moral curred in 1982. But in order to say we threat to peace and security in the Tai- obligation to police the world and take have a One-China Policy, then we im- wan Strait and to the stability of the care of everybody. mediately give weapons to Taiwan to entire region. But, Mr. Speaker, my answer to that defend against China. So this, to me, just does not quite Changes in cross-strait relations, Mr. is somewhat like the notion that we no add up. If we put arms in Taiwan, why Speaker, including democratization of longer have to pay attention to the would we not expect the Chinese to put Taiwan and an arms buildup by the Ten Commandments or the Bill of arms in opposition, because they are People’s Republic of China, requires Rights. If principles were correct 200 only answering what we are doing? that the United States continue to years ago or 250 years ago, they should What happened when the Soviets went strengthen its support for the people be correct today. So if a policy of to Cuba? They put arms there. We did and the democracy of Taiwan. H. Con. friendship and trade with other nations not like that. What would happen if the Res. 462 reinforces America’s commit- and nonintervention were good 250 Chinese went into Cuba or Mexico? We ment to help Taiwan defend itself from years ago, it should be good today. are not going to like that. So I think outside coercion and intimidation. I certainly think the Taiwan Rela- this part is in conflict with what the Continuing the tradition established by tions Act qualifies as an entangling al- National Relations Act says, because the Taiwan Relations Act, H. Con. Res. liance, and that is what we have been we are seeking a peaceful resolution of 462 urges the President and the Con- warned about: ‘‘Do not get involved in this. gress to reevaluate the defense needs of entangling alliances.’’ It gets us so in- Taiwan and encourages the govern- So I would urge my colleagues to be volved, we get in too deep, and then we ment of Taiwan to devote sufficient fi- cautious about this. I know this will be end up with a military answer to too nancial resources to defense of its is- overwhelmingly passed; but, neverthe- many of our problems. I think that is land. less, it is these types of commitments, what has happened certainly in the last these types of alliances that we make b 2015 50 years. that commit us to positions that are The resolution also, Mr. Speaker, en- I essentially have four objections to hard to back away from. This is why courages greater interaction between what we are doing. One is a moral ob- we get into these hot wars, these shoot- Taiwan and the U.S. with the goal of jection. I will not dwell on the first ing wars, when really I do not think it strengthening democracy on the island. three and I will not dwell on this one. is necessary. Visits between the officials of the U.S. But I do not believe one generation of There is no reason in the world why and Taiwan are not inconsistent with Americans has a moral right to obli- we cannot have friendship with China the One-China Policy. As such, officials gate another generation, because, in and with Taiwan. But there is some- of Taiwan should not be discouraged many ways, when we make this com- thing awfully inconsistent with our from visiting the United States. mitment, this is not just a friendly One-China Policy, when at the same Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that in- commitment; this is weapons and this time we are arming part of China in creasingly warmer cross-strait rela- is defense. order to defend itself. The two just do tions will ultimately transcend the Most people interpret the Taiwan Re- not coexist. need for the Taiwan Relations Act, and lations Act as a commitment for our Self-determination, I truly believe, is resolutions such as this one would not troops to go in and protect the Tai- worth looking at. Self-determination is be needed. In time, the democracy wanese if the Chinese would ever at- something that we should champion. which Taiwan has cultivated can take tack. Although it is not explicit in the Therefore, I am on the strong side of further root and flourish throughout act, many people interpret it that way. Taiwan in determining what they want all of China. However, until that day But I do not believe that we or a gen- by self-determination. But what do we comes, resolutions such as this one are eration 25 years ago has the moral do? Our administration tells them they necessary to clearly promote peace and right to obligate another generation to should not have a referendum on security in the region and to ensure such an overwhelming commitment, whether or not they want to be inde- continuing democracy in Taiwan. especially if it does not involve an at- pendent and have self-determination.

VerDate May 21 2004 05:03 Jul 15, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00102 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14JY7.162 H14PT1 July 14, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5759 So in one sense we try to help them; billion during this period. The Taiwan Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- and, in the other sense, we say do not Relations Act has ensured that the self such time as I may consume. do it. United States provides Taiwan with Very briefly, let me mention that I am just arguing that we do not have sufficient military equipment to defend this last election was marred by news to desert Taiwan. We can be very sup- itself. Our Nation even sent aircraft revealing that there was an assassina- portive of their efforts, and we can do carriers into the Taiwan Strait to tion attempt. It has been very much in it in a much more peaceful way and at make it clear that the United States the news in question about the authen- least be a lot more consistent. would not abandoned Taiwan to an un- ticity of this assassination. And, actu- Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, will the certain fate. ally, the election itself is believed to be gentleman yield? In short, Mr. Speaker, the Taiwan under a cloud with many people in Tai- Mr. PAUL. I yield to the gentleman Relations Act has effectively provided wan. So to paint too rosy a picture on from California. an institutional framework and a legal that, I am pleased that they are mak- Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I want to basis for a strong political security and ing progress, but it is not quite as rosy thank my friend for yielding. economic relationship between Taiwan as it has been portrayed here. I just want to correct the impression and the United States. It has proven to Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the the gentleman left with his observa- be an enormously flexible and durable gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. tion, which implied that Taiwan is get- law which has prevented various ad- MCCOLLUM). ting economic aid from the United ministrations from selling out Taiwan Ms. MCCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, the States. and its people due to pressure from policy of the United States of America Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming Mainland China. was articulately restated today by the my time, I will answer that. The 25th anniversary of the Taiwan Bush administration, and that state- Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I have Relations Act gives us a chance to ment is that there is only one China. not yet made my point. Taiwan is get- think about new directions in our rela- The one China policy and the Taiwan ting no economic aid from the United tionship with Taiwan. We must redou- Relations Act have resulted in sta- States. ble our efforts to build closer ties to bility and peace between China and Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming Taiwan, while at the same time main- Taiwan for more than a generation. my time, that is correct. I did not say taining a mutually productive rela- This policy has created security for our that, so the gentleman has implied tionship with the PRC. allies, benefited U.S. interests in the that; and that is incorrect that I said We can have a constructive relation- region, and allowed for unprecedented it. ship with Beijing while still protecting economic growth in the region, improv- I do know that it is a potential mili- Taiwan’s core interests. Beijing must ing the lives of millions of people. tary base for us, because when I was in understand that, from an American While the Taiwan Relations Act al- the Air Force, on more than one occa- perspective, any settlement between lows for the U.S. to supply military as- sion I landed on Taiwan. So they are China and Taiwan must be arrived at sistance to Taiwan to defend itself, this certainly a close military ally. through peaceful means, without coer- resolution ignores a very important Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of cion, and with the full support of the component of the U.S. policy that is my time. people of Taiwan. critical to this debate. In light of the Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield To ensure that the Taiwanese people rising tensions between China and Tai- myself such time as I may consume. are not forced into an unwise deal with wan, potentially dangerous tensions, Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this Beijing, we must continue to support Taiwan has a responsibility, in fact, resolution and urge all of my col- Taiwan’s legitimate defense needs, and the obligation, not to pursue policies leagues to do so as well. the leadership of Taiwan must devote that would unilaterally alter its cur- The 25th anniversary of the Taiwan sufficient funds to defending their rent status. Relations Act is an exceptional oppor- country. To that end, I strongly sup- The Taiwan Relations Act is in- tunity to understand the ongoing and port the possible sale of the Aegis sys- tended to defend Taiwan, but it must growing relevance of this critically im- tem to Taiwan and the expansion of not be considered a blank check to portant law and to discuss the future high-level military and political ex- commit U.S. forces to defend any pur- relations between the United States changes between our two nations. suit of independence by political lead- and Taiwan. Mr. Speaker, when President Lee ers in Taipei. I want to commend my friend, the Teng-hui wished to give a speech at his I cannot and I will not support an gentleman from Illinois (Chairman alma mater, Cornell University, it was ambiguous resolution that could one HYDE), and my friend, the gentleman my great pleasure and privilege to win day serve as a premise to commit from New Jersey (Chairman SMITH), for passage of a resolution demanding that American sons and daughters to defend introducing this resolution and for the Department of State grant him a the reckless political actions of Tai- highlighting the important matters visa. We won that battle, and the world wan’s leaders. The presidential elec- pending in the U.S.-Taiwan relation- kept spinning. tions earlier this year in Taiwan and ship. Mr. Speaker, it was a great pleasure the controversy regarding how they Mr. Speaker, when I first visited Tai- for me to host Taiwan’s Vice President, were conducted should raise very seri- wan decades ago, Taiwan’s people were Annette Lu, during a recent visit to ous concerns in this House. governed by an authoritarian regime San Francisco. It is my fondest hope The future of Taiwan’s relationship which silenced independent media, that Congress will have the honor of with the U.S. is dependent upon a threw the political opposition in jail, greeting both President Chen and Vice peaceful and stable Taiwan Strait. This and refused to live by internationally President Lu in Washington in the is clear. recognized human rights. foreseeable future. A similar message is absent from this Today, Taiwan has become a fully de- Mr. Speaker, under the umbrella of resolution that also must be sent to veloped democracy, complete with the Taiwan Relations Act, the United Taiwan’s leadership. I will oppose this hard-fought elections, tight margins of States and Taiwan have brought de- resolution today because it fails to victory, and a prosperous economy. mocracy to 25 million people, secured send a message of prudence and respon- This is sort of the American Dream in their economic future and protected sible behavior to both China and Tai- foreign policy, to look at totalitarian, them from hostile military threats. wan. That is the foundation of the one dictatorial societies which are des- China policy. titute and see them develop into demo- b 2030 Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. cratic, prosperous nations. This, Mr. Speaker, is an amazing Speaker, I yield myself 1 minute to re- Under the Taiwan Relations Act, Tai- achievement. I strongly support this spond briefly, and I think it needs to be wan’s GDP has increased ten-fold be- legislation and urge all of my col- responded to. tween 1979 and today. Two-way trade leagues to do so as well. The Taiwan Relations Act made it between Taiwan and the United States Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of very clear in section 3 that there is no has grown from $7 billion to over $65 my time. ambiguity about the policy. It is very

VerDate May 21 2004 05:03 Jul 15, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00103 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14JY7.163 H14PT1 H5760 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 14, 2004 clear to make available to Taiwan such No matter how thinly we are spread Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, we have defense articles and defense services in around the world, the capacity is now no additional requests for time. We such quantity as may be necessary to currently interpreted that, yes, we yield back the balance of our time, and enable Taiwan to maintain a sufficient would come to their aid, and it sounds I urge all of my colleagues to support self-defense capability. like people in support of this resolution this legislation. Nobody in their right mind or in would support that. But that is not the Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- their wildest dreams would ever con- way this country is supposed to go to self such time as I may consume. ceive of Taiwan attacking the main- war. And this, to me, is a preamble, if Let me just restate my general posi- land. It is all about a credible deter- there is a skirmish or a fight over tion, because my defense is that of a rence so that that dialogue between there and it is going to be bigger be- foreign policy of nonintervention, sin- Beijing and Taipei can go forward, and cause we are there and providing the cerely believing it is in the best inter- that is why I think that this law has weapons. ests of our people and the world that been so important in helping to main- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of we get less involved militaristically. tain that protective cocoon, if you will, my time. Once again, I would like to make the so that this dialogue again could go Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am de- point that if it is a true and correct forward without an invasion from the lighted to yield 2 minutes to the gen- principle because of its age, it is not People’s Republic of China. tleman from New York (Mr. ENGEL), negated. If it is a true principle and Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my distinguished colleague on the worked 200 years ago or 400 years ago, my time. Committee on International Relations. it is still a principle today; and it Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I thank should not be discarded. self such time as I may consume. the gentleman for yielding me this I would like to just close with Once again, I want to make the point time, and I rise in strong support of quoting from the Founders. First, very about the inconsistency of our policy. this resolution. simply, from Jefferson. His advice was, In 1979, the Taiwan Relations Act was We look at Taiwan today and, as the ‘‘Equal and exact justice to all men, of put in place mainly because we orches- gentleman from California pointed out whatever state or persuasion, religious trated getting them kicked out of the before, it is a success story. Taiwan is or political; peace, commerce, and hon- U.N., so we had to do something, so we a democracy. Taiwan has an economy est friendship with all nations, entan- passed this act, and we ended official that is the 16th largest in the world. I gling alliances with none.’’ come from the premise that we should John Quincy Adams: ‘‘Wherever the relations. We do not have ambassadors be supportive of countries that are sup- standard of freedom and independence to Taiwan. That is part of this absurd- portive of us, and Taiwan has been a has been or shall be unfurled, there will ity of the one China policy. Yet, at the good friend of the United States and her heart, her benedictions, and her same time, we feel this obligation and has shown that it is a true democracy. prayers be. But she goes,’’ and ‘‘she’’ is this commitment to make sure they I had the honor of meeting with referring to us, the United States, ‘‘but have these weapons for defense. I mean, President Chen in New York several she goes not abroad in search of mon- it just does not add up. months ago, and I have always been a sters to destroy. She is the well-wisher All we need is a consistent pattern great admirer of a country that took a to the freedom and independence of all. saying that people have a right to self- system that was autocratic and un- She is the champion and vindicator determination and encourage it and get democratic and transformed it into a only of her own. She will commend the out of the way. Those people over there very democratic country. general cause by the countenance of in Taiwan right now, they are invest- Now the Taiwan Relations Act in 1979 her voice, and the benignant sympathy ing in China. The natural courses of was crafted very delicately because, of her example.’’ events will take care of it. We have the yes, we do have a one China policy, but And our first President. He is well- South Koreans wanting to deal with we do not want to abandon our friends known for his farewell address, and in the North Koreans, and we tend to get in Taiwan. Therefore, I believe it is the that address he says, ‘‘Harmony, lib- in the way; and here we have the Tai- responsibility of our country to ensure eral intercourse with all nations, are wanese who are investing, and they that the people of Taiwan have the ca- recommended by policy, humanity, and would like to work some of this out, pability not to be overrun by anyone interest. But even our commercial pol- and too often we get in the way. else and to have the capability to de- icy should hold an equal and impartial Now, the chairman mentioned a fend themselves. hand: neither seeking nor granting ex- phrase in the resolution in defense of Now, in the resolution, it says that clusive favors or preferences; con- his position, but it is one that I am the Department of Defense report, our sulting the natural course of things; concerned about. It says, in section 3, Department of Defense report entitled diffusing and diversifying by gentle requires the United States Government Annual Report on the Military Power means the streams of commerce, but to make available defense articles. We of the People’s Republic of China dated forcing nothing.’’ do not have any choice. We make an July 30, 2003, documents, and I am Force gets us nowhere. Persuasion is absolute commitment that we are reading, that the government of the the answer. Peace and commerce is going to put those weapons there, and People’s Republic of China is seeking what we should pursue. we are looking for trouble. I mean, this coercive military options to resolve Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance is how you start wars, putting weapons the Taiwan issue and, as of the date of of my time. in there. the report, has deployed approximately Mr. SOUDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support Once again, what if they did that in 450 short-range ballistic missiles of the ROC. The Republic of China, more Cuba? What did we do when Russia did against Taiwan and is adding 75 mis- commonly known as Taiwan, is a democratic it in Cuba? Can we not have any under- siles per year to this arsenal; whereas haven perched on the edge of Asia and con- standing or empathy of what happens? the Taiwan Relations Act requires the fronted everyday with the scourge of com- And what if they did it in Mexico? We U.S. to maintain the capacity to resist munism. would have no part of it. any force or other forms of coercion H. Con. Res. 462 reaffirms an unwavering So this, to me, just does not make that would jeopardize the security or commitment by the United States to the Tai- any sense. the social or economic system of the wan Relations Act and to the ROC. And then in the next phrase, I am people of Taiwan. From the moment the communists overran also concerned about this, and it re- This is what the Taiwan Relations the Chinese mainland, the Republic of China states the position in the Taiwan Rela- Act commits us to do. It is what we on Taiwan has been threatened with invasion tions Act, whereas the Taiwan Rela- should do. It is right. It is proper. We and destruction. The dictators in Beijing have tions Act requires the United States to stand with the people of Taiwan and sought to isolate Taiwan from the rest of the maintain the capacity to resist any re- their democratic ways, and I am proud world. They put pressure on Taiwan to be sort to force. to be a part of reaffirming the unwav- subservient to Beijing’s diktats. Despite this Now, we have to think about that. ering commitment to the Taiwan Rela- constant shadow, the people of Taiwan have Most people interpret that as, we are tions Act by the United States Con- built a vibrant market economy and an equally on our way, the boys are ready to go. gress. vibrant democracy based on the rule of law.

VerDate May 21 2004 05:03 Jul 15, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00104 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K14JY7.165 H14PT1 July 14, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5761 As Taiwan has prospered and worked to most of all the work of the people of Taiwan the Western European and Others Group at achieve full democracy, the United States has have helped to make these changes a reality. the United Nations; stood shoulder to shoulder with Taiwan Mr. Speaker, the passage of this resolution Whereas Israel’s membership in the West- ern European and Others Group is limited against the potential onslaught of the so-called will send a strong message to the leaders of and, as a temporary member, Israel is not al- ‘‘People’s’’ Republic of China. Unlike in main- Communist China that America is a partner lowed to compete for open seats or to run for land China, the people of Taiwan enjoy many and a friend to Taiwan, and that America has positions in major bodies of the United Na- of the freedoms that we in the United States no plans to abandon our commitment to the tions, such as the Security Council, or also enjoy. people of Taiwan or their fundamental right to United Nations-affiliated agencies, such as As mainland China develops economically, self-determination. the United Nations Commission on Human it would be easy for the United States to focus Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Rights; on Beijing and forget about our longstanding Speaker, we have no further requests Whereas Israel is only allowed to partici- ally. This is not and never should be the case. for time, and I yield back the balance pate in limited activities of the Western Eu- ropean and Others Group at the United Na- The United States must continue to be a part- of my time. tions headquarters and is excluded from dis- ner with Taiwan. We must do what we can to The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. cussions and consultations of the Group at help Taiwan maintain its political and eco- RENZI). The question is on the motion the United Nations offices in Geneva, nomic independence. Although the United offered by the gentleman from New Nairobi, Rome, and Vienna; States does not maintain full diplomatic rela- Jersey (Mr. SMITH) that the House sus- Whereas the Western European and Others tions with the ROC, our commitment, outlined pend the rules and agree to the concur- Group includes Canada, Australia, and the in the Taiwan Relations Act, has never rent resolution, H. Con. Res. 462. United States; wavered. The question was taken. Whereas Israel is linked to Western Euro- pean and Others Group member states by The communist government in Beijing has The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the strong economic, political, and cultural ties; made it clear time and again that it will not opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of Whereas the Western European and Others back away from its Taiwan policy. Whether it those present have voted in the affirm- Group is the only bloc which is not purely is naval exercises in the Taiwan Straits or ob- ative. geographical but rather comprises countries jecting to Taiwan’s membership in the World Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, on that I which share a Western democratic tradition; Health Organization, Beijing continues to men- demand the yeas and nays. and ace the ROC. The yeas and nays were ordered. Whereas Israel is a free and democratic When you look at a map of Asia, the PRC The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- country and its voting pattern in the United clearly dwarfs Taiwan. It is many, many times Nations is consistent with that of the West- ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the ern European and Others Group member bigger geographically and many, many times Chair’s prior announcement, further states: Now, therefore, be it more populated. Any time it chooses, the PRC proceedings on this motion will be Resolved, That it is the sense of the House could overrun Taiwan and end the democratic postponed. of Representatives that— experiment in that country. It is only the back- f (1) the President should direct the Sec- ing of the United States and the U.S. commit- retary of State and the United States Per- ment outlined in the Taiwan Relations Act, that EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE manent Representative to the United Na- has kept the communists at bay. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN tions to seek an immediate end to the per- As the PRC continues to develop economi- SUPPORT OF FULL MEMBERSHIP sistent and deplorable inequality experi- OF ISRAEL IN THE WEOG enced by Israel in the United Nations; cally and politically, it is important that the (2) United States interests would be well United States have allies in the region with Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I served if Israel were afforded the benefits of whom we can work vis-a`-vis mainland China. move to suspend the rules and agree to full membership in the Western European Taiwan is such an ally. They share our values the resolution (H. Res. 615) expressing and Others Group at the United Nations so of democracy and market economics. We the sense of the House of Representa- that it could fully participate in the United must ensure that Taiwan remains free to act tives in support of full membership of Nations system; independently of China. The Taiwan Relations Israel in the Western European and (3) consistent with section 405(a) of divi- Act ensures that they are able to do so. sion C of H.R. 1950, as passed the House of Others Group (WEOG) at the United Representatives on July 16, 2003, ‘‘the Sec- Mr. TANCREDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in Nations, as amended. retary of State and other appropriate offi- strong support of H. Con. Res. 462, reaffirm- The Clerk read as follows: cials of the United States Government ing our unwavering support to the Taiwan Re- H. RES. 615 should pursue an aggressive diplomatic ef- lations Act, and the people of the Republic of Whereas since the mid-1960s, the member fort and should take all necessary steps to China or Taiwan. states of the United Nations have been di- ensure the extension and upgrade of Israel’s For more than two decades, the Taiwan Re- vided into five groups, including the Western membership in the Western European and lations Act has been the basis for the U.S.- European and Others Group and the African, Others Group at the United Nations’’; and Taiwan relationship, and a cornerstone of sta- Asian, Latin American, and Eastern Euro- (4) the Secretary of State should continue bility in Taiwan, and in the Western Pacific. pean groups; to submit to Congress on a regular basis a Whereas the United Nations increasingly report which describes actions taken by the And while the set of circumstances that made United States Government to encourage the the Taiwan Relations Act necessary remains a relies on this ‘‘Group System’’ to facilitate its work and two leading United Nations or- Western European and Others Group member regrettable chapter in U.S. history, its pres- gans, the General Assembly and the Eco- states to accept Israel as a full member of ence has helped ensure the safety of the peo- nomic and Social Council, have passed nu- their group and describes the responses ple of Taiwan for the last 25 years. merous resolutions granting this system a thereto from the member states. In stark contrast to his predecessor Jimmy central role in United Nations elections; The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Carter, President Reagan worked to improve Whereas Israel has been refused admission ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from the mutual friendship and security between to the Asian Group of the United Nations Florida (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN) and the Taiwan and the United States. A strong voice and is therefore denied the rights and privi- gentleman from California (Mr. LAN- leges of full membership in the United Na- for freedom and democracy, President TOS) each will control 20 minutes. Reagan sought to provide greater security to tions; The Chair recognizes the gentle- Whereas exclusion of Israel violates crucial the people of Taiwan by making a number of principles of the United Nations Charter, in- woman from Florida (Ms. ROS- assurances to Taiwan. Among other things, cluding the right of states to be treated in LEHTINEN). President Reagan promised not to set a date accordance with the principle of sovereign GENERAL LEAVE for ending defensive arms sales to Taiwan; equality and the right to vote and partici- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I not to consult with the unelected leaders of pate fully in the United Nations General As- ask unanimous consent that all Mem- Communist China before making any arms sembly; bers may have 5 legislative days within sales to Taiwan; not to pressure Taiwan to ne- Whereas the Bureau of every United Na- which to revise and extend their re- gotiate with Communist China on the issue of tions conference comprises one representa- tive from each group in the United Nations marks and include extraneous material reunification; and not to abandon the Taiwan and Israel is therefore denied access to this on the resolution under consideration. Relations Act. vital apparatus enjoyed by other United Na- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Over the last 25 years, Taiwan has made a tions member states; objection to the request of the gentle- full transition to democracy. The Taiwan Rela- Whereas on May 30, 2000, Israel accepted an woman from Florida? tions Act, President Reagan’s efforts, and invitation to become a temporary member of There was no objection.

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