December 5, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E 2293 evolving relationship, which we hope will be- rope. While no Russian leader has publicly THE ADMINISTRATION NEEDS TO come a crucial element of the emerging Eu- endorsed NATO’s enlargement, senior offi- SUPPORT ropean security architecture. This is not to cials—including President Yeltsin—have re- suggest that NATO-Russia relations are peatedly acknowledged the importance of without strain. As you note, Russian offi- HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN partnership with NATO and the West. cials have objected to NATO actions in the OF NEW YORK former Yugoslavia, asserting that the Alli- Thus, in policy-level discussions with the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ance acted without properly consulting other Russians we will continue to state clearly Tuesday, December 5, 1995 interested states. While we reject such con- that NATO is willing to go the extra mile in tentions—NATO acted under a clear UN Se- developing an effective partnership with Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, recently A.M. curity Council mandate—the fact remains Russia, that the Alliance’s eventual enlarge- Rosenthal of the New York Times wrote two that many Russians perceive themselves and ment is not aimed against Russia or any thought provoking articles regarding Taiwan. their country as having been marginalized. He points out how the administration's appar- Similarly, President Yeltsin and other senior other state, and that Moscow’s interests would not be served by repudiating the still- ent weakness in supporting our democratic Russian officials have voiced serious con- friends there plays into the hands of the dic- cerns about NATO’s enlargement, often in evolving NATO-Russian relationship (or any quite stark terms. arms control agreements) because of NATO tators in . Although Moscow’s opposition to NATO expansion. We will also continue to monitor There are a number of territorial disputes in enlargement is often based on carefully reports of undue Russian pressure Asia. One of the most contentious is the own- misperceptions, we nevertheless recognize on neighboring states to create new ership and future of the island of Taiwan. that these arguments must be addressed. blocs, as well as reports of Russian plans for Regretably, short of an early collapse of the Similarly, Russian concerns about their dictatorship in Beijing, the 45-year-old stale- stature in European affairs are real, but our military responses to NATO’s enlargement. As necessary, we will make clear that such mate over the issue shows no signs of an im- bilateral discussions—most recently at Hyde mediate resolution. Park—have made clear that both sides re- moves would only isolate Russia, impeding main committed to promoting Russia’s inte- its further integration into the European Taiwan is a free democracy. A nation where gration into key Western structures. The mainstream. people can express their thoughts and prac- tice their religious beliefs. Through the long Russian leadership understands that altering Our demonstrated commitment to partner- or otherwise slowing this course would only years it has remained a loyal friend and stead- ship and cooperation has already alleviated isolate Russia and hinder reform at home. fast ally of the . The Republic of While we must be careful neither to under- some of the fears and concerns expressed by is one of Asia's economic miracles fea- estimate nor exaggerate the importance of Russian officials. For example, our active ef- turing a strong and growing economy with less European security matters in Russian do- fort to involve the Russians in the imple- than 1-percent unemployment. From our per- mentation of a Bosnian peace settlement has mestic politics, Russian views will continue spective this is the type of free and democratic to evolve and we must be prepared for a demonstrated we do not want to go it alone. lengthy—and sometimes heated—dialogue Instead, we have engaged in an intensive, on- society we need to support in the region and with the Russian government. going dialogue with the Russians on this sen- around the world. On the other hand we have To put the broader issue of NATO-Russia sitive issue, most recently between President the People's Republic of China. The Beijing relations in context, you should recall that Clinton and president Yeltsin on October 23 leadership has repeatedly proven itself over the Alliance has engaged in a concerted ef- and between Secretary of Defense Perry and the years to be an oppressive dictatorship with fort to develop a close, cooperative partner- Minister of Defense Grachev on November 8. little regard for human and religious rights, ship with the new Russia. Even before the While we will not compromise on the abso- much less political freedom. Its military fought break-up of the , NATO had lute need for an effective, NATO-led oper- against ours in Korea, supported the Com- sought to establish productive, non-adversar- ation, if we are ultimately able to settle on ial relations with Moscow. With the dissolu- munists in North Vietnam, and currently ships tion of both the and the USSR, a workable arrangement for Russian engage- weapons of mass destruction to terrorist na- NATO created the North Atlantic Coopera- ment we will have helped assuage Russian tions in the Middle East. tion Council and the Russian Federation be- concerns that NATO is only interested in For the past 10 years whenever an effort came one of its first members. This consult- marginalizing Moscow. was attempted by the Congress to respond to ative arrangement set the stage for the es- In your final question you ask how the Beijing's egregious behavior we were told, that tablishment early last year of the Partner- statements ‘‘We have agreed that construc- there is a political transition period underway ship for Peace, which Russia joined in June tive, cooperative relations of mutual respect, in China and if we took any substantive action 1994. Within PFP, Russia has had the oppor- benefit and friendship between the Alliance we would be strengthening the hands of the tunity to engage directly with the Alliance and Russia are a key element for security to develop the capability of working with hardliners. NATO in support of common interests and and stability in Europe’’ and ‘‘NATO deci- And so for the last decade, whenever the goals in Europe. sions, however, cannot be subject to any veto Congress attempted to respond to China's ex- Moreover, under the ‘‘Beyond PFP’’ ar- or droit de regard by a non-member port of products made by slave labor, we were rangement approved this past May, NATO state . . .’’ can be reconciled. But these told by the State Department to back off. and Russia have agreed to take their rela- statements are not, in fact, contradictory. When we raised the issue of the Com- tionship a step further in terms of consulta- Notwithstanding NATO’s approach to en- munist's repression of religious and political tions and active cooperation. Finally, as you largement, the Alliance has a strategic in- thought, the State Department told us that note in your letter, the Alliance has offered terest in seeking constructive, cooperative economic liberalization will bring about political to develop a ‘‘political framework’’ for fu- relations with Russia. The fact that we are ture NATO-Russia relations. As we envision pluralism. it, in the near term NATO and Russia would actively planning to expand simply means Accordingly, Beijing has never paid a price agree on the basic principles which would that the enhanced Russian-NATO relation- for its unfair trade practices, arms proliferation, guide the relationship well into the 21st cen- ship will be with a larger NATO. We will lis- repression in occupied , massive military tury; NATO has already tabled a draft— ten to Russia’s concerns about enlargement buildup, the recent aggression in the Spratly which draws heavily on existing documents just as we listen to the thoughts of our other Islands, its disregard for intellectual property and agreements—for Russia’s consideration. partners; their views will be taken into con- rights, its illegal detention of Harry Wu, an Once the final principles are hammered out, sideration and will certainly influence our American citizen, and its threatening military we would work together to turn them into a thinking. But influence and a veto are two exercise off the cost of Taiwan. On the con- more formal, long-term understanding that quite different things; neither Russia nor would facilitate NATO-Russian cooperation. trary, the State Department believes that we Russia, therefore, already has a quite sig- any other non-member will have a veto over need to further soften our approach to Beijing. nificant relationship with NATO. The key Alliance membership (or any other) deci- I am all for working peacefully and negotiat- determinant in how our relations develop sions. ing quietly with the Chinese. But time and time will be Russia’s implementation of the var- Thank you for the opportunity to respond again, the State Department has failed to ious partnership mechanisms now available. to your thoughtful questions. We look for- bring home the bacon. Constructive engage- This is an ongoing, evolutionary process, ward to continuing our exchange as the Alli- ment cannot be just a one way endeavor. The which will certainly be affected to some de- ance moves closer to enlargement and as State Department needs to recognize this and gree by the domestic political climate in Russia. We remain convinced, however, that NATO-Russian relations continue to develop. adjust its course. Russian government will recognize that it is Sincerely, Considering all these facts, the Congress is to Moscow’s advantage to develop and main- WENDY R. SHERMAN, compelled to ask if Taiwan's time has come to tain a close relationship with the Alliance as Assistant Secretary for be recognized by the world's community of na- part of Russia’s overall policy toward Eu- Legislative Affairs. tions. And if so, what can this body do to help E 2294 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 5, 1995 the free people of Taiwan. Taiwan leadership The people of the island, ethnically Chi- flown outdoors to save Beijing a fit. In Wash- has repeatedly asked for our help in their nese, descend either from families that have ington, representatives of Taiwan cannot quest for their people to have the last word in lived here for centuries or from immigrants sully the State department or White House who fled to Taiwan with Nationalist army by their presence. So far, separate drinking their own future. when it was defeated by the Communists in fountains for Taiwanese representatives have Let me say that now is the time to help our 1949. not been set up. friends on the island of Taiwan. We have been The ruling party is the , a mel- Taiwan is not only barred from the U.N. waiting far too long to respond to their aspira- lowed offspring of the hard-handed party of but from all its many specialized agencies, tions and hope. Chiang Kai-shek. It is headed by President including those supposed to deal with such Accordingly, I ask that the full text of A.M. Lee Teng-. Mr. Lee gave Beijing a heart universal subjects as health and agri- Rosenthal's articles be printed in the RECORD attack recently by visiting his American culture—say, AIDS or starvation. at this point. alma mater, Cornell University, Beijing has The blockade is so obsessively enforced been trying ever since to give one apiece to that it even excludes aid to refugees. Last [From the New York Times, Nov. 28, 1995] him and the U.S. for such impertinence. year the U.N. appealed for funds for Rwandan YES, THERE ISA TAIWAN The Kuomintang stands for reunification refugees, among the most suffering of God’s (By A.M. Rosenthal) with the mainland—some day, when Beijing human creatures. Taiwan offered $2 million; manages to become non-Communist, and a , TAIWAN.—The trucks move day and refused. The Taiwanese did manage to get convert to human rights. So the KMT is de- night through the streets of Taiwan like their gift accepted—by channeling it through nounced by the New Party, made up of creatures alive and wild with their own en- an American committee for Unicef. breakaway KMT hard-liners, as kind of Con- ergy—shouting and singing through their Correspondents from Taiwan are not per- fucian Coalition. loudspeakers, denouncing, trumpeting, cajol- mitted to enter the U.N. As a former re- The major opposition is the Democratic ing, forbidding escape or the succor of a mo- porter at the U.N., in its early days, I have Progressive Party—strong for independence, ment’s silence. thought of slipping my pass to a correspond- but not ready to invite Communist attack by The loudspeakers, mounted fore, aft and ent from Taiwan, to annoy U.N. authorities, making a Taiwan July Fourth Declaration. atop, deliver a gigantic rolling headache. but I decided it wouldn’t work. Panting for the China trade, the U.S. for- Before Beijing commanded the U.N., cor- But they also deliver the sound of democ- bids Taiwan representatives to set foot in racy, to a small country new to it, and to a respondents from non-member peoples were the State Department or White House. But allowed in. I learned more about North Afri- huge glowering country whose leaders detest the weeks of democratic campaigning prove the thought of it. ca and Indonesia from independence-move- that whether Beijing and its international ment reporters than I ever did from the colo- This is campaign time in Taiwan, a free business lobby approve or not, Taiwan has campaign, fought hard, for the free election nial French or Dutch. produced a prosperous, growingly democratic North Korea and South Korea are members of a national legislature. It is the most im- society of its own, separate in political prac- portant democratic step since 40 years of and so were East and West Germany. The tice and desire from the mainland. Palestine Liberation Organization was given military rule ended in 1987 and the demo- Or, as it appears on posters around the is- cratic process began on this island—an often- representation at the General Assembly with land: ‘‘Yes, there is a Taiwan.’’ Send in more only a vote lacking. tested missile-distance across the waters trucks. from Communist China. But when China decided that any dreams And next March an even more important of independence, sovereignty or even dignity [From the New York Times, Dec. 1, 1995] that Taiwan might harbor were too dan- election will take place. The people of the is- THE BLOCKADES OF TAIWAN lands will take part in a direct presidential gerous to tolerate, this special was (By A.M. Rosenthal) election—the first direct election of a na- created for the island. The U.S. and most tional leader in the thousands of years of TAIPEI, TAIWAN.—They come almost every other U.N. members meekly kissed Beijing’s history of the Chinese people. day now—the military threats to this island iron slipper. The economic development of Taiwan country from the Communist Government in That means Taiwan cannot use an U.N. or moves ahead smartly, and so does its demo- Beijing. any normal diplomatic channel to raise an cratic development. That is news of impor- Chinese Army commanders order repeated alarm that had to be officially heard about tance far beyond this island. amphibious landings at the mainland coast the open military threats from Beijing. If Asia has a batch of countries developing nearest the island—the precise kind of oper- any other country had threatened another so economically but not democratically. Just ation that would be needed to invade Tai- blatantly the case would immediately have give Asians a full belly, the colonial West wan—and ‘‘tests’’ of missiles in the straits been on the U.N. agenda. Now of course most U.N. members, includ- used to say. Now that is amended: Just give dividing China and the island. In recent days ing the U.S., would be paralyzed with eco- them a motorbike and big-screen TV. there has been a series of leaked reports that nomic terror at the very idea of proposing Taiwan is crowded, its cities are messy and Beijing is considering a naval blockade of that Taiwan as well as China be represented its roadsides junk-strewn. But politically it Taiwan. Nobody knows whether the threats are at the U.N. But perhaps Washington, Lon- is becoming quite handsome, a living denial meant only to frighten all Taiwanese into don, Paris and Tokyo will dredge up enough of the slur that Chinese are content to live abandoning any thought of independence, courage to increase their own diplomatic without political freedom. however distant, or whether Beijing is ready- contacts with Taiwan as a warning to China. Westerners have a way of thinking of Tai- ing its people and the world for an attack. If Perhaps. wan in relation only to China and their own it does take place it is likely to be in the Until now the Chinese diplomatic blockade interests. Mostly they think nervously of spring of 1996 before or after Taiwan holds its and Western submission to it have been how furious Beijing will get if the West gives first direct presidential election. merely disgusting. Now they are getting dan- any acknowledgment or respect to this is- But the evidence is that the military com- gerous. land that the Communists say is their own mand is beginning to operate and plan inde- f province, now and forever. pendently of the civilian leadership in the The West trembles to breathe a word about Politburo. A BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE TO HIS allowing Taiwan to take part in inter- This much seems clear from here: The national activities—even helping refugees. MAJESTY KING RAMA IX OF West is operating on the assumption that if THAILAND Its skin crawls with fear that Beijing will re- it says and does nothing, why, any dangers duce the West’s right to take part in the will vanish in a merciful blip. China trade and the privilege of buying from The studious silence arises from the fun- HON. DANA ROHRABACHER China billions of dollars more in goods than damental China policy of the West: Rock no OF CALIFORNIA the West has any hope of ever selling to Chinese boat lest Beijing throw easy . access to the Chinese market overboard. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The worldwide diplomatic blockade that The West manages to maintain its silence Tuesday, December 5, 1995 Beijing has created against Taiwan is not because a Chinese blockade of Taiwan al- the worst of it. When Beijing thinks that the ready exists: the political and diplomatic Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise substantial movement toward an independ- blockade created by Beijing after it took today to extend my personal best regards and ent Taiwan is getting stronger, or sees the over the China seat in the U.N. in 1971. the respect and appreciation of all the mem- horror of democracy rising on this pros- The government on Taiwan was not only bers of the International Relations Committee perous island so close to the mainland, the ousted from the U.N. but from the inter- on the occasion of the birthday of the King of Chinese Communists mount menacing mili- national community. Taiwan, one of the Thailand, King Rama IX. tary operations. No pretense is made that largest trading nations in the world, has Earlier this year, all Members of the House the exercise and the ugly warnings by top been cut off from normal diplomatic and po- military men are not aimed at intimidating litical relations with almost the whole of Representatives were relieved when the Taiwan and aborting its growing fascination world. King made a complete and impressive recov- with democratic practice. Expect more The U.S. maintains an ‘‘institute’’ in Tai- ery from surgery and regained his full threats. pei headed by a ‘‘director.’’ But no flag is strength.