[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 21 (Monday, March 4, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E247]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         U.S.--TAIWAN RELATIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 4, 2002

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, 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 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 and Pentagon 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.
  President Bush was right when he made several comments during his 
recent trip to Asia:
  First, U.S. will continue to support the Taiwan Relations Act 
(President Bush and Chinese President Jiang Zemin's joint press on Feb. 
21, 2002); second, when my country makes an agreement, we stick with 
it. And there is called the Taiwan Relations Act, and I honor that act, 
which says we will help Taiwan defend itself, if provoked (President 
Bush answering a question from a student of Xinhua University on Feb. 
22, 2002); and third, America will remember our commitments to the 
people on Taiwan (Remarks by President Bush to the Diet of Japan on 
Feb. 18, 2002).
  Mr. Speaker, 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.

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