[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 133 (Tuesday, September 24, 1996)]
[House]
[Pages H10911-H10913]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      REGARDING TAIWAN'S EFFORTS TO JOIN THE COMMUNITY OF NATIONS

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 212) endorsing the adoption by the 
European Parliament of a resolution supporting the Republic of China on 
Taiwan's efforts at joining the community of nations, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 212

       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That the Congress endorses the adoption by the 
     European Parliament on July 18, 1996, of resolution 
     supporting the Republic of China on Taiwan's efforts at 
     joining the community of nations, which is substantially as 
     follows:
       ``The European Parliament,
       --having regard to Article J.7 of the Treaty on European 
     Union,
       ``(A) satisfied with the current state of Taiwan's 
     democracy and Taiwan's respect for the principles of justice, 
     human rights and fundamental freedom;
       ``(B) welcoming the fact that the elections in Taiwan were 
     conducted democratically and peacefully despite the overt 
     aggression and provocation by the People's Republic of China;
       ``(C) having regard to Taiwan's wish to participate in 
     international aid to developing countries;
       ``(D) having regard to the significance of developments in 
     the political situation in Taiwan for the whole of East Asia 
     at a geopolitical and economic level and in terms of a policy 
     of stability, security and peace in the Western Pacific 
     region;
       ``(E) welcoming the attitude of reconciliation displayed by 
     President Lee Tang-hui towards the People's Republic of China 
     and looking forward to a dialogue spanning both sides of the 
     Taiwan Straits;
       ``(F) convinced that the people of Taiwan ought to be 
     better represented in international organizations than they 
     are at present, which would benefit both Taiwan and the whole 
     of the international community;
       ``(G) whereas neither the European Union nor any of its 
     Member States have diplomatic relations with the Government 
     of Taiwan, recognizing only the People's Republic of China;
       ``(H) whereas Taiwan is very important to the European 
     Union and its Member States as a trade partner;
       ``(I) whereas it is important for the European Union and 
     its Member States to develop their relations with the 
     governments of both the People's Republic of China and Taiwan 
     in an amicable and constructive spirit.
       ``(J) urging the governments of the People's Republic of 
     China and Taiwan to intensify their cooperation;
       ``(K) stressing that participation by Taiwan in certain 
     international organizations can assist with finding common 
     ground between China and Taiwan and facilitate reconciliation 
     between the two sides;
       ``(L) regretting the fact that Taiwan at present is 
     prevented from making a full contribution to the United 
     Nations and its agencies, and stressing that, for the 
     efficiency of the United Nations, Taiwan's participation 
     would be desirable and valuable;
       ``1. Urges:
       ``(a) the Council and Member States to support Taiwan's 
     attempts to secure better representation than it currently 
     enjoys in international organizations in the fields of human 
     and labour rights, economic affairs, the environment and 
     development cooperation . . .
       ``(b) the Council and Member States to ask the United 
     Nations to investigate the possibility of setting up a United 
     Nations working group to study the scope for Taiwan to 
     participate in the activities of bodies answerable to the 
     United Nations General Assembly;
       ``(c) the Council and Member States to encourage the 
     governments of the People's Republic of China and Taiwan to 
     intensify their cooperation in a constructive and peaceful 
     spirit;
       ``(d) the Council to urge the Commission to adopt measures 
     with a view to opening a European Union information office in 
     Taipei;
       ``(2) Instructs its President to forward this resolution to 
     the Council and to the Commission.''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
York [Mr. Gilman] and the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Hamilton] each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York [Mr. Gilman].
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the chairman of the Asia and Pacific 
Subcommittee, Congressman Bereuter, and the ranking minority member, 
Congressman Berman, for their support for House Concurrent Resolution 
212. I would also like to commend the chairman of the Rules Committee, 
Mr. Soloman, for drafting the resolution.
  On July 18, the European Parliament adopted a resolution that 
supports Taiwan's efforts at joining the United Nations. House 
Concurrent Resolution 212 endorses the European Parliament's 
initiative.
  Taiwan is a free democracy, where people can express their thoughts 
and practice their religious beliefs. Through the long years, it has 
remained a loyal friend and steadfast ally of the United States.
  Taiwan is also one of Asia's economic miracles, featuring a strong 
and growing economy with less than 1 percent unemployment. It is the 
type of free and democratic society we need to support in the region 
and around the world.
  It is a stark contrast to the People's Republic of China. The Beijing 
leadership has repeatedly shown itself over the years to be a brutal 
dictatorship with little regard for human and religious rights, much 
less political freedom.
  Taiwan's government has repeatedly asked for our help in their quest 
for their people to have the last word in their own future.
  Now it the time to help our friends on Taiwan. We have been waiting 
far too long to respond to their aspirations and hope.
  House Concurrent Resolution 212 is a good step in that direction. I 
urge my colleagues to support the resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I support the resolution, but I do have some concerns 
about it. I do view the resolution as a friendly gesture to Taiwan, and 
certainly Taiwan deserves to be recognized for the remarkable strides 
it has made in recent years in transforming itself from an 
authoritarian system with a decrepit economy into a vibrant and 
prosperous democracy. I want to simply remind my colleagues that Taiwan 
has flourished under the status quo in East Asia. I would urge my 
colleagues to proceed with caution on this measure, on any measure that 
calls for a change in that status quo.
  Having expressed that reservation, Mr. Speaker, I do support the 
resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1630

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from New York [Mr. Solomon], the distinguished chairman of 
the Committee on Rules and the author of this resolution.
  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding this 
time to me, and certainly the ranking member of the committee a 
committee I spent many, many years on, and we have great admiration and 
respect for the job that both of these gentlemen do.

[[Page H10912]]

  Mr. Speaker, this resolution is a small but significant show of 
support for one of the great success stories of the late 20th century, 
and one of the best friends America has: the Republic of China on 
Taiwan.
  My resolution today simply endorses a European Parliament resolution 
passed on July 24th that urges support for greater participation in 
international organizations for Taiwan.
  The resolution makes note of the great strides Taiwan has made toward 
democracy in recent years, especially its conduct of free presidential 
elections this past spring despite overt aggression by Communist China.
  The resolution also notes Taiwan's importance as a trading partner, 
its willingness to participate in international aid and its strong 
desire to participate in the international community.
  Mr. Speaker, this resolution is the very least we can do for our 
friends on Taiwan.
  Indeed I can think of no other country that so richly deserves the 
opportunity to participate more in the international community.
  And I would submit that the United States has a special moral 
obligation to help Taiwan achieve these ends.
  As my colleagues know, back during the cold war, we really did not 
have a more steadfast ally in our struggle against Communism than the 
Republic of China on Taiwan.
  They were integral in stopping the spread of that deadly system in 
Asia and for that we owe them a debt of gratitude.
  Today the cold war is over and our relationship with Taiwan has 
developed along newer lines as that country has continued to mature and 
succeed.
  For instance, we all are familiar with the great economic success 
story of this island nation.
  A widely impoverished land just 45 years ago, Taiwan has vaulted to 
being the 19th largest economy in the world and has become the eighth 
largest trading partner of the United States.
  With an economy characterized by low inflation, low unemployment, and 
a $12,000 per-capita GNP, Taiwan is nearly on par economically with 
countries such as Spain and Ireland.
  A country on this level deserves greater access to and can contribute 
much to international economic organizations like the WTO.
  And on the political front, this year's Presidential elections have 
rounded out a democratic transformation, and today Taiwan is marked by 
free elections, a free press, and respect for human rights and civil 
liberties.
  In so doing, Taiwan has provided an excellent model for the rest of 
Asia and has proven itself worthy of participation in international 
political organizations.
  That is why this resolution is necessary and why I have been pushing 
along these lines for several years now.
  I am grateful for the support that I received in this endeavor to the 
chairman of the International Relations Committee, Mr. Gilman, as well 
as to the many friends of Taiwan, too many to name, on both sides of 
the aisle.
  This is truly a bipartisan measure, and I urge its unanimous 
adoption.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York [Mr. Solomon] for 
his strong supportive arguments. He has been a long-time supporter of 
Taiwan. We appreciate his participation.
  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I want to voice my support for the measure 
before us today which endorses the European Parliament's support of 
Taiwan's efforts to join the Community of Nations.
  Taiwan has demonstrated its commitment to democracy and its respect 
for the principles of justice, human rights, and fundamental freedoms. 
We should commend the Government and people of Taiwan for conducting 
democratic and peaceful elections in spite of the overt aggression 
displayed by the People's Republic of China. I join my colleagues from 
the International Relations Committee in voicing support for Taiwan's 
efforts to obtain better representation in international organizations, 
including those bodies answerable to the U.N. General Assembly.
  I am hopeful that this resolution will signal important support for 
Taiwan's inclusion in the Community of Nations, including membership in 
international organizations.
  Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House 
Concurrent Resolution 212, a long overdue resolution endorsing Taiwan's 
entry into the United Nations. Entry into the United Nations is based 
on certain fundamental principles: peace, democracy, and a willingness 
to join the international family of nations. Over the past several 
years, Taiwan has clearly shown that it has satisfied these 
requirements. First, Taiwan recently conducted a democratically held 
Presidential election--even in the face of overt military aggression 
and provocation from Mainland China. Second, Taiwan has repeatedly 
offered to make significant contributions in international aid to 
developing countries. Finally, Taiwan continues to provide economic and 
political stability to the Western Pacific region, one of the most 
strategic areas in the world.
  The only thing preventing Taiwan's entry into the United Nations, is 
the bullying of the authoritarian Chinese regime. It is unconscionable 
to believe that an undemocratic and repressive nation such as China, 
the true antithesis of what the United Nations was founded upon, should 
have the ability to prevent an emerging democracy from joining the 
community of nations. I urge my colleagues to end this tragic situation 
and grant Taiwan entry into the United Nations. Pass House Concurrent 
Resolution 212 as the first step in this process.
  Mr. HINCHEY, Mr. Speaker, with the approach of Taiwan's National Day, 
the 85th anniversary of the Republic of China on October 10, 1996, we 
have a chance to celebrate and applaud Taiwan's spectacular 
accomplishments during its past 85 years. The Republic of China proudly 
stands as a model democracy and a major economic power in the world. A 
great debt is owed its leaders, most notably President Lee Teng-hui. 
These leaders have created a modern nation out of modest beginnings, 
and provided other developing nations around the world with an example 
of the benefits of dynamic economic development and the importance of a 
commitment to freedom and democracy.
  To President Lee Teng-hui, Vice President Lien Chan, and 
Representative Jason Hu of the Republic of China on Taiwan, we send our 
congratulations and wish them good luck in everything they do, 
including their campaign to return to the United Nations and other 
international organizations.
  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House 
Concurrent Resolution 212, a concurrent resolution expressing this 
body's support of Taiwan's efforts at joining the community of nations.
  Since the inception of the United States one-China policy, the United 
States has effectively severed all formal ties with Taiwan. By doing 
so, we have denied the existence and legitimacy to the Taiwanese 
Government and its 21 million citizens. This we have done despite the 
fact that Taiwan is one of the world's strongest economies, our sixth 
largest trading partner, and one of our closest Asian associates.
  The recent elections conducted peacefully amid overt aggression and 
provocation from the People's Republic of China, attests to the 
Taiwanese Government's stability and commitment. Let us make a 
commitment to grant the government and people of Taiwan dignity and 
well-deserved opportunity to become viable participants in world 
affairs. I urge my colleagues to support House Concurrent Resolution 
212.
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I wish to send my greetings and 
congratulations to the leaders of Taiwan on the anniversary of their 
national day. This October 10 marks the 85th anniversary of the 
founding of our close friend and fellow democracy, the Republic of 
China. In commemorating this anniversary, I applaud today's passage of 
House Concurrent Resolution 212, regarding Taiwan's efforts to join the 
community of nations.
  Throughout the past 85 years, the United States has had a strong 
reciprocal friendship with the Republic of China. When Taiwan needed 
some help with agricultural projects, U.S. Agency for International 
Development [USAID] stepped in and gave them access to the resources 
that the farmers needed. Now Taiwan is returning our favor to countries 
in Africa, helping them to develop better grains and more robust crops. 
When Taiwan needed help developing manufacturing facilities on the 
island, United States business provided the support. Now Taiwan 
companies are helping out here in the United States by working with our 
manufacturers to develop joint venture projects in America.
  The United States is very familiar with the economic advances the 
Republic of China has made, but many Americans may not be aware of the 
work the Republic of China has done to transform itself into a true 
democracy. During the past decade Taiwan has developed a robust 
multiparty system, open legislative elections, free speech, free press, 
and judicial oversight. These democratic reforms culminated in an open 
Presidential election. President Lee Teng-Hui was elected in a contest 
against three other candidates and more than 74 percent voter 
participation.
  Despite the Republic of China's political and economic maturity, the 
Republic of China is

[[Page H10913]]

still not allowed to be a part of vital international organizations. 
Congress took the first step today in bringing about a change in this 
policy.
  Without question their economic status and legal system more than 
qualify them for membership in the World Trade Organization, but the 
People's Republic of China, which is not nearly as economically stable 
as the Republic of China, believes it must be admitted first. The 21 
million people of Taiwan certainly deserve representation in the United 
Nations, but again, the People's Republic of China will not allow it. 
Given America's close relationship with the People's Republic of China, 
it would appear as though our friendship with Taiwan has been displaced 
by our concern about the People's Republic of China.
   Mr. Speaker, Congress has begun to take action and today addressed 
the issue of Taiwan's involvement in the international community with 
the passage of House Concurrent Resolution 212. This resolution ``urges 
the Council and Member States to support Taiwan's attempts to secure 
better representation than it currently enjoys in international 
organizations * * *'' and ``* * * ask the United Nations to investigate 
the possibility of setting up a United Nations working group to study 
the scope for Taiwan to participate in the activities of bodies 
answerable to the United Nations General Assembly * * *.''
  At the same token, I understand the need to be aware of the actions 
and decisions of the People's Republic of China. Obviously the 1.5 
billion people living under People's Republic of China rule are 
important. However, I think it is vital that the United States work to 
see our friends in the Republic of China are duly recognized for their 
achievements and to make sure that Republic of China's borders are 
secure. On October 10, when the Republic of China celebrates their 85th 
anniversary, we here in Congress should remember to congratulate our 
friends on Taiwan and assure them that our relationship will remain 
strong. House Concurrent Resolution 212 is one step in the right 
direction, but more needs to be done.
  The October 10 celebration marks the continuance of a longstanding 
friendship between our two countries, as well as the founding of a 
nation. Again, I congratulate Taiwan on the occasion of its national 
day.
  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call attention to the 85th 
national day of the founding of the Republic of China. Not only for its 
rapid implementation of democratic policies and reforms but also for 
its responsiveness to trade imbalances between our two countries should 
the Republic of China on Taiwan be honored and congratulated on this 
historic occasion.
  One proper way to celebrate the Republic of China's national day is 
for us to recognize Taiwan's campaign to reenter the United Nations and 
other international organizations. There really is no reason to deny 
the Republic of China membership in the United Nations. In my mind, 
Taiwan's membership in the United Nations is in total conformity with 
the U.N. principle of universality; will definitely contribute to peace 
and stability in East Asia and will serve the interests of the United 
States. Today, we have taken a small step in advancing this campaign by 
the House adopting House Concurrent Resolution 212, which supports 
Taiwan's entry into international organizations.
  In commemoration of Taiwan's 85th national day, I extend greetings 
and best wishes to President Lee Teng-Hui, foreign representative, 
Ambassador Jason Hu. May Taiwan continue to prosper and to one day soon 
be welcomed back into the community of nations.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I do not have any further requests for time 
on this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Speaker, I, too, yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Gunderson). The question is on the 
motion offered by the gentleman from New York [Mr. Gilman] that the 
House suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, House 
Concurrent Resolution 212, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended; and the concurrent resolution, as 
amended, was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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