[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 108 (Monday, July 21, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1541]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1541]]


                                 TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 21, 2003

  Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the recent 
passage of my amendment regarding the security of Taiwan, which was 
part of the en bloc amendment to the Foreign Relations Authorization 
Act. The passage of this amendment shows strong Congressional support 
for the safety and welfare of the citizens of Taiwan, and sends a 
message to the People's Republic of China that the use of force, and 
even the threat of the use of force, against Taiwan will not be 
tolerated.
  In the past two decades, Taiwan has undergone a remarkable 
transformation from a one party, martial law dictatorship to a full-
fledged democracy that respects human rights and human freedoms. 
However, Taiwan's democracy faces a serious military threat from the 
People's Republic of China. The PRC regards Taiwan as a renegade 
province, despite the fact that it has never exercised control over the 
island. They continue to openly entertain the use of force against 
Taiwan, thereby jeopardizing the stability of the entire Asian Pacific 
region. Mr. Speaker, as one of the leading democracies in the world, it 
is the duty of the American government to protect Taiwan from the PRC's 
threats to its democratic system of governance.
  Through this amendment, the United States Congress is expressing its 
grave concern regarding the People's Republic of China's deployment of 
hundreds of ballistic missiles directed towards Taiwan. The provision 
calls upon the President of the United States to direct all appropriate 
U.S. officials to raise these concerns with PRC officials, and to seek 
renunciation from the leaders of the PRC of any threat or use of force 
against Taiwan. In addition, it calls upon the President of the United 
States to authorize the sale of the Aegis missile defense system to 
Taiwan if China refuses to dismantle the missiles in question. Finally, 
the provision reaffirms that the future of Taiwan should be determined 
peacefully, and with the expressed consent of the Taiwanese people,
  I wish to thank my colleagues in the House for their expressed 
support of this most important provision. Only by defending the 
democracies that currently exist throughout the world can we actively 
promote the spread of democratic ideals. I would ask that my colleagues 
continue to keep a watchful eye on the PRC's treatment of Taiwan, and 
remain vigilant in their support for the Taiwanese people and their 
quest for safety, security, and freedom.

                          ____________________