[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 7 (Wednesday, February 2, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E64]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TAIWAN SECURITY ENHANCEMENT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 1, 2000

  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H.R. 1838, the 
Taiwan Security Enhancement Act.
  This legislation is important because it reaffirms our commitment to 
support democracy and economic stability in Asia. In 1979, Congress 
passed the Taiwan Relations Act which ensured Taiwan's security by 
providing it with sufficient defensive weapons so it may protect and 
maintain its own national defense. While the U.S. and Taiwan do not 
share full diplomatic ties, our unique relationship with Taiwan 
demonstrates that Taiwan's security should be reinforced and enhanced.
  The government of Taiwan is a representative democracy and the people 
of Taiwan will elect a new President next month. Taiwan is a bright 
example of how a democratic government which allows the free market to 
operate becomes a region of peace coupled with remarkable economic 
growth. Taiwan is the world's 15th largest economy and is the United 
States' 7th largest trading partner, while the United States is 
Taiwan's largest export market.
  Given the events which have transpired over the past several years, 
it is essential that we protect American interests by promoting peace 
in the Taiwan Straits. H.R. 1838 will augment the process for defense 
sales to Taiwan by requiring the President to report annually to 
Congress Taiwan's requests for defense products, detailing why Taiwan 
needs these items, ad justifying any decision that the United States 
makes to reject or postpone such arms sales to Taiwan. Furthermore, 
H.R. 1838 will address the deficiencies in Taiwan's readiness by 
supporting Taiwan's increased participation at U.S. defense colleges, 
requiring the enhancement of our military exchanges and joint training, 
and require the Secretary of Defense to develop a program to enhance 
operational training and exchanges between the Taiwanese and U.S. 
militaries on the issues of threat analysis, force planning, and 
operational methods.
  Taiwan is and continues to be a strong U.S. ally. For this reason, I 
believe the priorities outlined in H.R. 1838 are imperative if we are 
to maintain peace and stability in this region of the world. Given the 
People's Republic of China's tendency to engage in aggressive rhetoric 
and brinkmanship, Taiwan's self-defense capability should be improved 
and strengthened. A secure Taiwan would provide a better foundation and 
possible progress for cross-Strait dialogue.
  I believe we must honor our commitments in the Taiwan Strait. The 
Republic of China is a vibrant nation with an expanding economy, and it 
is my belief that America should support Taiwan in its endeavors to 
remain free and democratic.

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