[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 21 (Friday, February 17, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             PRESIDENT CHEN'S LUNAR NEW YEAR'S DAY REMARKS

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 16, 2006

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, in his Lunar New Year's Day remarks to the 
nation, Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian expressed his concern over 
Taiwan's lack of representation in major international organizations 
and the Taiwanese people's need to revisit the issue of national 
unification with China.
  Taiwan has tried to rejoin the United Nations and the World Health 
Organization but its efforts have been blocked by China and its 
diplomatic allies year after year. To break out of China's diplomatic 
suppression of Taiwan, President Chen was wondering if Taiwan should 
apply for membership in the United Nations under a new name, 
``Taiwan.''
  Apart from Taiwan's lack of international presence, Taiwanese people 
have developed a strong feeling that the balance of power in the Taiwan 
Strait has shifted to China's favor. Last spring, China passed its 
antisecession law codifying the use of force against Taiwan. In recent 
years, China's military build-up along the coast of Taiwan has 
engendered suspicion and deep distrust of China's intentions toward 
Taiwan.
  The Taiwanese people fear a military confrontation in the Taiwan 
Strait. It is therefore not surprising that their president would voice 
their apprehensions in his Lunar New Year's Day remarks. President Chen 
was wondering aloud if Taiwan should consider abolishing the National 
Unification Commission and the Guidelines for National Unification in 
view of China's repeated hostile actions taken against Taiwan. At the 
moment, this issue is being studied by Taiwan's National Security 
Council. President Chen must seek to explore venues, other than the 
National Unification Commission and the Guidelines for National 
Unification, to safeguard Taiwan's future.
  To help ease Taiwanese apprehension, we, as friends of Taiwan, must 
ask President Bush to assure the people of Taiwan that America will 
adhere to its commitments to Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act and 
that America would defend Taiwan if China were to invade Taiwan. Also, 
I think it is worthwhile for President Bush to further express 
America's strong concern over China's passage of the antisecession 
legislation. The enactment of the law has in effect changed the status 
quo in the Taiwan Strait, thereby threatening the stability of the 
region.
  Once again, President Bush should openly inform Chinese leaders that 
the future of Taiwan must be solved through peaceful means and with the 
consent of the people of Taiwan. Last but not least, President Bush 
should encourage Chinese leaders to resume a meaningful dialogue with 
Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian over cross-strait issues under the 
principles of sovereignty, democracy, peace and parity.
  Mr. Speaker, Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian has not reneged on his 
inaugural pledges to his people. In the last 6 years he has not 
declared independence for Taiwan. He would like Chinese leaders to 
openly pledge to the world that China would not use force against 
Taiwan either now or in the future--a statement that we here in the 
Congress would welcome as well.

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