[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 15 (Friday, February 15, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH FIRST STATE VISIT TO CHINA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 14, 2002

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, President George W. Bush is making his 
first state visit to China and I would like to take this opportunity 
before his departure to China to express my concern regarding Taiwan. I 
hope that President Bush will stand firm on the issue of Taiwan in his 
discussions with the Chinese and I encourage him not to comply with any 
demands from the Chinese government that affect the best interests of 
Taiwan.
  The United States and the Republic of China on Taiwan have been 
maintaining strong relations for decades. In recent years, despite the 
lack of formal diplomatic relations between the United States and 
Taiwan, Taiwan has been unwavering in its support of the United States 
in all areas.
  In the aftermath of the tragedies of September 11, Taiwan was one of 
the first countries to give its unflinching support to the United 
States and has also been extremely cooperative in providing information 
and resources to the United States to combat terrorism. Taiwan has been 
enormously supportive in other areas as well, such as reducing its 
trade surplus with the United States and promoting U.S. goods and 
services in its domestic market.
  Any attempts by the Chinese to ask the United States to reduce arms 
sales to Taiwan will endanger the balance of power in the Pacific Rim 
and lead to instability. I hope that President Bush will uphold the 
U.S. policy of continued arms sales to Taiwan and that he will urge the 
Chinese leaders to resume talks with Taiwan on reunification and other 
issues. 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 hope the President's visit to China will improve U.S.-China 
relations, but foremost, I hope the visit will be based on the premise 
of the best interests for Taiwan.

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