[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 24, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1611]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       LIFT UNREASONABLE RESTRICTIONS ON TAIWAN'S ELECTED LEADERS

                             HON. DAVID WU

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 24, 2007

  Mr. WU. Madam Speaker, in November of 2008, citizens of the United 
States will exercise their constitutional and democratic right to vote 
in a national election and choose their president. Just eight months 
prior to our presidential election, our friend across the Pacific, 
Taiwan, will hold its fourth national direct election for its highest 
office.
  Once a single-party state under martial law, Taiwan made a peaceful 
transition during the late 1980s and early 1990s to a full-fledged 
democracy and a multi-party political system that respects human rights 
and the rule of law.
  For over fifty years, our two nations have fostered a close 
relationship, which has been of mutual political, economic, cultural, 
and strategic advantage. However, one vital inequity exists that 
prevents the exchange of views at the highest political levels: the 
United States government continues to adhere to guidelines from the 
1970s that bar the President, Vice President, Premier, Foreign 
Minister, and Defense Minister of Taiwan from coming to Washington, DC.
  Why, when Taiwan is a key player in the Asia-Pacific region, do we 
prevent their highest-level decision makers from traveling to our 
nation's capital? This outdated policy severely limits our direct 
dialogue with world leaders.
  Almost any person born and raised in Taiwan has the freedom to travel 
to the United States. But when a person is chosen through democratic 
elections to become the leader of the Taiwanese people, this freedom is 
inappropriately rescinded by the U.S. government. While the United 
States attempts to promote democracy around the world, we lock the 
doors of our capital city to the leaders of fellow democracy.
  Rather than symbolically shunning Taiwan's democratically elected 
leaders, we should welcome them. I meet with Taiwan's leaders--both 
before and after their election. Other American Leaders in Washington, 
D.C. should have the same opportunity. Unreasonable restrictions on 
visits to the United States by high-level elected and appointed 
officials of Taiwan should be lifted. Taiwan deserves this long overdue 
respect.

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