[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 96 (Friday, July 15, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1494]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                 TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 14, 2005

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, one year ago, Chen Shui-bian was re-elected 
President of Taiwan. The election was the closest in Taiwan's history 
and marked a reaffirmation that Taiwan is a strong democracy.
  The anniversary of President Chen's re-election provides an important 
opportunity to review events in Taiwan and across the Taiwan Strait in 
China. As my colleagues know, China recently enacted a so-called ``anti 
secession'' law, which China says gives it the right to use military 
force against Taiwan if Taiwan decides to declare independence. This 
law is extremely provocative and potentially destabilizing. Like many 
of my colleagues, I have condemned this law, and I will continue to do 
so.
  During the past several weeks, the 2 main opposition leaders in 
Taiwan have traveled to China to meet with the leaders of the Communist 
Party. These trips have sparked intense debate in Taiwan about the 
intentions of the Chinese leaders, as well as the future security of 
Taiwan. This debate is additional evidence of the openness and maturity 
of the democratic society Taiwan currently enjoys.
  Mr. Speaker, Taiwan reveres its freedom and its democratic form of 
government. As Taiwan's friend and ally, I believe it is important for 
the United States to monitor the situation in the Taiwan Strait very 
carefully to help ensure Taiwan is not forced into a position which 
would endanger its freedom or its democracy. President Chen has been a 
tireless advocate for protecting and enhancing Taiwan's freedom. I hope 
he will use the remaining three years of his second term in office to 
make certain Taiwan is protected and that Taiwan will be able to 
continue to flourish politically and economically.
  Mr. Speaker, Taiwan is a good example of democracy in the Asia 
Pacific region. I applaud the people of Taiwan for their diligence and 
their enterprise. The democratic experiment in Taiwan has been an 
exciting one for the past two decades. It is my hope, and I believe 
many of my colleagues share the view, that similar adoption of 
democratic principles will someday spread to mainland China.

                          ____________________