[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 33 (Tuesday, March 16, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E376]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             REMARKS ON THE DEMOCRATIC REFERENDA IN TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 16, 2004

  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about an important and 
timely issue: the right of the people of Taiwan to hold a democratic 
referendum.
  Only 20 years ago, Taiwan was ruled by an authoritarian dictatorship 
under martial law. Today, it is a flourishing, multiparty democracy 
that holds competitive elections, respects human rights and upholds the 
rule of law. It is also our close friend and ally.
  On March 20, Taiwan will hold its third Presidential election. That 
same day, the Taiwanese people will vote on two referenda related to 
Taiwan's self-defense.
  Some argue the U.S. should oppose these votes because they will 
needlessly antagonize China. I disagree.
  While it is important for the U.S. to have China's cooperation on a 
number of issues, our foreign policy should not be based on trying to 
avoid making China angry--that would be tantamount to giving them veto 
power over our actions.
  Rather, our policy should be guided by U.S. national interests, which 
undeniably include the promotion and support of democracy in every 
corner of the globe.
  What kind of message would it send to those courageous individuals 
struggling for democracy in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and other 
parts of the world if we tell the people of Taiwan that they should 
refrain from exercising their hard-won right to cast a ballot on key 
issues of the day?
  With all due respect to China, this is not about Taiwanese 
independence. This is not a ``provocation.'' This is about the peaceful 
exercise of the purest form of democracy.
  I strongly support Taiwan's right to hold these referenda, free from 
intimidation, and I urge all my colleagues to do the same.

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