[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 15 (Friday, February 15, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E175-E176]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 THE PRESIDENT'S UPCOMING TRIP TO THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA (PRC)

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. HOWARD P. ``BUCK'' McKEON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 14, 2002

  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to see that President George W. 
Bush will be

[[Page E176]]

making a state visit to the People's Republic of China in late 
February. As Secretary of State Colin Powell said, the United States 
and China have many common interests and also many disagreements, one 
of which is Taiwan.
  I hope that President Bush will stand firm on the issue of Taiwan in 
his discussions with the Chinese. The United states and Taiwan have 
been maintaining strong relations for decades. In recent years, despite 
the lack of formal diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Taiwan, 
Taiwan has been unwavering in its support of the United States in all 
areas. In the wake of the Twin Towers tragedy, Taiwan went into deep 
mourning and its government ordered all flags lowered at half-staff for 
two days.
  Taiwan stands with the United States on nearly all issues including 
safeguarding human rights and fighting terrorism around the globe.
  Mr. Speaker, Taiwan is not an issue that divides the United States 
from China. As long as we stand firm on our principles of providing 
what Taiwan needs militarily, there will be stability in the Taiwan 
Strait and that is in everyone's best interests. I wish President Bush 
the best of luck in his journey to China.

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