[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 14 (Thursday, February 1, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E94-E95]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 LET'S NOT FORGET OUR FRIENDS ON TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EVA M. CLAYTON

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 31, 2001

  Mrs. CLAYTON. Mr. Speaker, as a new administration takes office, we 
wish to remind them and our colleagues in Congress that we must not 
forget our friends in the Republic of China on Taiwan. Let's not forget 
Taiwan has a democratically-elected president and a parliament that is 
fully committed to the free enterprise system, democracy, and human 
rights. Let us not forget that we need to give the Republic of China on 
Taiwan all the support she richly deserves.
  As many of us know, Mr. Chen Shi-gian was elected president of the 
Republic of China last March and was inaugurated as President on May 
20. He chose Dr. Hung-mao Tien as his Foreign Minister. Since assuming 
office in May, under the direction of President Chen Shui-bian, Foreign 
Minister Tien has clearly articulated Republic of China's foreign 
policy thrusts. Regarding the People's Republic of China, Minister Tien 
has made clear that peace and non-aggression are essential to ensure 
that the two entities engage in reasonable and responsible discussions. 
At the same time, President Chen has made a number of conciliatory 
gestures towards the mainland. Taiwan does not seek confrontation, but 
a friendly dialogue with mainland China leading to future talks on all 
issues, including eventual reunification.
  In terms of solidifying friendship and ties with ROC's allies, 
President Chen and Minister Tien have traveled far and wide. Last year 
they completed a grueling 2-week journey of friendship to ROC's allies 
in Central America and Africa. Minister Tien also traveled to Europe to 
strengthen Taiwan's ties with friendly nations.
  It is our understanding that to seek greater international 
recognition, Taiwan will continue to seek a return to the United 
Nations and other international organizations. It is our view that a 
worthy nation like Taiwan must be given its proper recognition in the 
community of nations.

[[Page E95]]

  Taiwan considers its relations with the United States a matter of 
utmost importance. We are delighted that Taiwan is ably represented by 
Ambassador C.J. Chen in Washington. Ambassador Chen was Republic of 
China's former Foreign Minister and served in Taiwan's Washington 
office as Deputy Representative in the 80's. He knows Washington well 
and we are very pleased that he has briefed us from time to time and we 
are impressed with his energy and enthusiasm as he strengthens the ever 
growing bonds between Taiwan and the United States.
  Even though Taiwan is isolated diplomatically, Taiwan has a strong 
foreign policy team, headed by President Chen Shui-bian whose policies 
are ably executed by his foreign minister, Dr. Hung-mao Tien, and his 
Washington representative, Cambridge-educated C.J. Chen.
  It is our hope that the new administration and Congress will always 
remember our traditional friendship with Taiwan and its people. Let's 
not sacrifice Taiwan's interests as we seek better relations with the 
People's Republic of China in the months ahead. Taiwan and the United 
States have always stood together shoulder to shoulder and will always 
remain strong partners in maintaining peace and stability.

                          ____________________