[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 64 (Thursday, May 1, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S5645]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             TAIWAN SUPPORT

  Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I rise today to bring to the attention of 
my colleagues the importance of U.S. relations with Taiwan.
  Most Americans have been focused on the two media showpiece events in 
recent weeks--the conflict in Iraq and the SARS pandemic. I would note 
to the Senate that our relations with Taiwan--a key strategic ally for 
the United States and a critical regional trading partner--should not 
be overlooked.
  In addition to its strategic role with the U.S., Taiwan has a strong 
market-based economy and burgeoning multi-party democratic system. It 
has helped lead the modernization of Southeast Asia by demonstrating 
the importance of respecting civil liberties and the rule of law.
  A component of U.S. efforts to ensure regional stability is to 
maintain strong relations with Taiwan, including assurances to protect 
the island against military attacks. To support this effort, the U.S. 
has a tradition of providing military assistance to Taiwan for the 
purpose of its self-defense. In recent years, this assistance has 
primarily been in the form of sales of aircraft and advanced warning 
radars to the Taiwanese government. Most recently, the Bush 
administration announced it would sell Taiwan a new assortment of 
defense articles, including diesel submarines, P-3C anti-submarine 
aircraft, and Kidd-class destroyers. I support this decision because it 
recognizes the legitimate self-defense requirements of Taiwan, but does 
not destabilize the sensitive relations between Taipei and Beijing.
  The Key to ensuring peace and stability in the region is to promote 
healthy U.S. relations with Taiwan and support efforts to encourage the 
People's Republic of China and Taiwan to resolve their differences 
peacefully. We should continue to pursue a means of supporting Taiwan 
without harming U.S. interests in China.

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