[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 52 (Tuesday, April 24, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S3831]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            TAIWAN ARMS SALE

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, the Administration recently informed 
Congress of its arms sales package to Taiwan. Having long followed 
political developments both in Taiwan and the People's Republic of 
China, PRC, and having visited both sides of the Strait, I wanted to 
make a few brief comments.
  First, weapon systems and military hardware aside, the political 
message transmitted to Taipei through the sales is that America's 
commitment to Taiwan remains steadfast and strong. This is an 
appropriate message delivered in a timely manner by the new 
Administration and with the encouragement and support of Congress.
  Second, the package generally reflects a balanced approach to 
Taiwan's defensive needs, particularly on and under the sea. While the 
Arleigh Burke-class destroyers equipped with the Aegis radar system are 
not part of this year's sale, and would not be operational until 2010, 
the Administration has left open the option to pursue Aegis-equipped 
destroyers at a future date. Aegis is still on the table. America has 
bolstered Taiwan's defensive capabilities through Kidd-class 
destroyers, P-3 aircraft, submarines, and other weapons, and has 
deferred decisions on other sales, such as tanks and helicopters, 
pending a review of Taiwan's ground forces needs.
  Finally, the PRC must understand that its continued buildup of short-
range ballistic missiles opposite Taiwan and aggressive modernization 
of its military for offensive purposes will all but guarantee the 
future sale of Aegis-equipped destroyers, or other technologically 
advanced weapons system. If the Mainland is serious in wanting a 
peaceful resolution of differences with Taiwan, senior military and 
civilian leaders must accept America's obligations under the Taiwan 
Relations Act to provide ``defense articles and defense services in 
such quantity as may be necessary to enable Taiwan to maintain a 
sufficient self-defense capability.''
  Simply put, every Chinese offensive military action will have a 
Taiwan-U.S. defensive reaction. Beijing can make clear its intentions 
by immediately renouncing the option to use force against Taiwan, and 
by reducing its military deployments across the Strait.
  I intend to continue to follow political and military developments 
not just in Taiwan and the PRC but throughout the region. I urge 
Beijing and Taipei to continue dialogue as the means of resolving their 
differences.

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