[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 51 (Wednesday, May 3, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E709-E710]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RESTRICTIONS TO TAIWANESE PRESIDENT CHEN SHUI-BIAN'S TRAVEL IN THE U.S.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 3, 2006

  Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, as you may know, this morning, the 
democratically elected president of Taiwan, Mr. Chen Shui-bian finally 
received permission to stop in Anchorage--but not spend the night--on 
his way to South America. This is quite a change in plans for President 
Chen, who had hoped to meet with Members of Congress in New York on his 
way to Paraguay and Costa Rica, but whose trip was delayed for a day 
because the administration at first refused even this brief stopover. 
If you have been following this case, you would probably agree with me 
that this is no way to treat the democratically elected president of 
one of our staunchest allies in the Pacific.
  There are no laws or regulations that prevent leaders from Taiwan 
visiting the United States, but simply a policy of the administration 
that forbids President Chen and other Taiwanese officials from 
officially visiting the United States. What is the source of this 
restriction? Concern that the Chinese government will be displeased by 
any welcome of a Taiwanese official on our soil. However, this most 
recent self-imposed restriction goes even further than the previous 
policy I have spoken against.
  Last week, the Chinese urged us NOT to allow President Chen to land 
in the United States at all. I suppose that we can therefore view this 
Alaskan stop as a victory for U.S. sovereignty and relations with 
Taiwan. However, in the past President Chen has been allowed stops in 
Los Angeles, Houston, and New York. The final agreement allowed him to 
touch down and refuel in Alaska, but not even get off the plane--what 
an insult to a friend and partner of the U.S.A.
  I understand that President Chen will be allowed to pass through 
Honolulu, HI, next week on his way home from South America. I mean no 
disrespect to the fine States of Hawaii and Alaska, but the symbolism 
of keeping President Chen as far away from Washington, DC, as possible 
is unmistakable.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe that this is no way to treat the elected 
president of one of our fellow democracies which happens to be one of 
our best friends in the region.
  Last month we invited the unelected leader of China to the White 
House. We presented with a 21 gun salute, and laid out the red carpet 
for him. But the democratically elected President of Taiwan we do not 
even let set foot on U.S. soil.
  What is wrong with this picture?
  I believe that we should work towards lifting all restrictions on 
high level visits from Taiwan including the President. This would have 
several benefits for both the United States and our friend Taiwan. 
First, we would for once and for all eradicate the necessity of 
complex, lengthy and, truly, humiliating-for-Taiwan negotiations about 
where and when President Chen would be able to refuel or travel in the 
United States. Secondly, being able to hear first-hand from Taiwanese 
officials would promote a balanced understanding of both sides of the 
Taiwan Strait issue for Congress, the Administration and the American 
public. Thirdly, we would reduce the ability of Beijing to politicize 
our valid relations with Taiwan. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, 
we would extend to the President of Taiwan--and thus to the people of 
Taiwan--the respect and dignity they deserve.
  Next week, when President Chen travels home to Taiwan, I hope the 
administration will change its plans and allow President Chen to make a 
stopover in New York as he initially planned.

[[Page E710]]

  It is my sincere belief that the United States needs to do a better 
job in nurturing and protecting the fragile democracy in Taiwan. We can 
do that by communicating directly with President Chen about how he sees 
the role of his country in promoting democracy around the world.

                          ____________________