[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 115 (Thursday, September 12, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1568]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SUPPORT A DEMOCRACY AND OUR ALLY: TAIWAN DESERVES TO BE PART OF THE 
                             UNITED NATIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DOUG OSE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 12, 2002

  Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, Taiwan is one of the few independent nations 
that has not been allowed to join the United Nations as a full member. 
And it looks like opposition to their bid is again forming among those 
who would keep Taiwan and its 23 million citizens from joining their 
rightful place among the community of nations.
  Simply put, Taiwan's 23 million people deserve a voice and a seat in 
the United Nations. Taiwan's population is larger than those of two 
thirds of the U.N. member states. Over the last 50 years Taiwan is the 
world's 17th largest economy, with the 15th largest trading volume. 
Taiwan's economic performance has contributed greatly to world 
prosperity. At a time when the U.N. continues to ask the United States 
to contribute more money to its budget, why is it turning away a 
willing, dues-paying member?
  Perhaps the best reason the United States should continue to support 
Taiwan and its bid for U.N. membership is shared values. Taiwan is a 
vibrant democracy and endorses the ideals of peace, human rights, and 
development. More importantly, Taiwan is able and willing to carry out 
all U.N. Charter obligations.
  Some have argued that granting Taiwan membership in the U.N. would be 
unacceptable to the People's Republic of China. However, Taiwan has 
repeatedly stated its willingness to work with the Chinese mainland. 
Taiwan leaders have repeatedly appealed to PRC leaders for peaceful 
settlement of political disagreements between the two sides. In 
addition, Taiwan hopes that Taiwan and the PRC will work together to 
help maintain peace and stability in Asia and Pacific. The United 
Nations should encourage a dialogue between Taiwan and China--not 
ignore it. Granting Taiwan U.N. membership is a positive first step to 
permanent peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
  Finally, it is worth noting that Taiwan's exclusion from the U.N. 
violates the U.N. principle of universality. Remember that the U.N.'s 
mission is to ``reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the 
dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and 
women and of nations large and small.''
  As President Bush addresses the U.N. on this very day, and talks 
about the threats facing the world and those nations truly fighting for 
peace, I urge him to remember our friend and ally who is not allowed to 
join him at the U.N.'s headquarters in New York. I urge him to remember 
Taiwan and to support them in their bid to join that great body of free 
nations.

                          ____________________