[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E24]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                 TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOSEPH M. HOEFFEL

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 21, 2004

  Mr. HOEFFEL. Mr. Speaker, Taiwan has been a close and valuable ally 
of our nation since its inception as the Republic of China in 1949. In 
contrast to the People's Republic of China, both democracy and 
capitalism have flourished in Taiwan, as demonstrated by its peaceful 
transition to a multi-party political system and its thriving free 
market economy.
  I support the notion of a united China, but not if it means the 
assimilation of Taiwan into anything resembling the current People's 
Republic. Rather, I look forward to the day when both peoples are 
united in a truly democratic state, and are able to share in the 
political and economic freedoms of Taiwan. Until this is possible, the 
United States must use the tools at our disposal to maintain the status 
quo, guaranteeing the people of Taiwan the freedom they currently 
enjoy.
  Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian has called for a nationwide 
referendum in March regarding China's deployment of hundreds of 
missiles aimed at Taiwan. Asking the Taiwanese people whether Taiwan 
should purchase more anti-missile defenses in response to this obvious 
threat does not represent an escalation of tensions with China. On the 
contrary, this ``defensive referendum'' is an affirmation of Taiwan's 
democratic system. We must support this exercise of the right of free 
expression, which is consistent with our own values.
  In this instance, China's inflammatory statements, not Taiwan's 
referendum, threaten to upset the delicate balance that exists in the 
region. The United States must remain firm in its support for the 
people of Taiwan. And until China is ready to adopt a democratic system 
of government and a free market economy, that means maintaining the 
status quo.

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