[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 137 (Friday, October 12, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1882]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             SUPPORT FOR TAIWAN'S PARTICIPATION IN THE U.N.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 12, 2001

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, the horrific events of September 11 
underscore the renewed importance for democracies of the world to stand 
together in the fight against terrorism.
  The United Nations serves as a vital forum in the effort to eradicate 
terrorism once and for all. Unfortunately, one of the most vibrant 
democracies in the world that is willing and economically capable of 
aiding with the efforts against terrorism has consistently been denied 
re-admission to the U.N. Taiwan is a democracy with a strong economy, 
commitment to human rights and support for fundamental freedoms. Its 
GNP and population are larger than three-quarters of the existing 
member countries of the U.N. On behalf of its 23 million people, Taiwan 
should be allowed membership in the United Nations.
  Both Houses of the U.S. Congress, with broad bipartisan support, have 
repeatedly endorsed Taiwan's desire for participation in the United 
Nations and in other international organizations including the World 
Health Organization, the Asian Development Bank, admission to the Asia-
Pacific Economic Cooperation Group and the World Trade Organization. 
The Taiwan Policy Review of 1994 mandated overwhelmingly by Congress 
expressed strong support for a more active policy in support of 
Taiwan's participation in international organizations. On May 24, 2000, 
the House passed H.R. 444 advocating Taiwan's full membership into the 
WTO.
  Taiwan has built one of the most consistently solid economies in the 
world and its people enjoy one of the highest standards of living in 
Asia. It ranks as the seventh largest trading partner to the United 
States. Using its economic success, Taiwan has served as a model for 
other nations by assisting developing economies and by contributing to 
international organizations.
  Having elected Chen Shui-bian--the first member of the opposition to 
assume the Presidency last year, Taiwan boasts a strong, participatory, 
multi-party democracy holding free elections at all levels. President 
Chen has been a champion of civil liberties, the rule of law and human 
rights. He has committed Taiwan to upholding the Universal Declaration 
of Human Rights, the International Covenant of Civil and Political 
Rights, and the Declaration and Action Program of the 1993 Vienna 
Conference on Human Rights. Taiwan has made major strides in upholding 
and maintaining human rights.
  Examples of East and West Germany admitted to the UN in 1973 and 
later unified and North and South Korea admitted in 1991 show that 
Taiwan could be given membership to the U.N. without prejudice to the 
final resolution of the differences between the People's Republic of 
China and the Republic of China.
  Taiwan's 23 million citizens deserve meaningful participation in the 
United Nations and the benefits that would accrue to world peace and 
stability if Taiwan were formally brought into the community of 
nations.

                          ____________________