[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 131 (Thursday, September 6, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1809]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE NATION-STATE OF TAIWAN WITHIN THE UNITED NATIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. THOMAS G. TANCREDO

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 6, 2007

  Mr. TANCREDO. Madam Speaker, next year the 23 million people of 
Taiwan will head to the polls to vote on a referendum asking if the 
island should attempt to join the United Nations under the name 
``Taiwan.'' The referendum is an opportunity for the people of Taiwan 
to make their collective voice heard around the world--and the world 
would be wise to listen.
  At first blush, one would think that Taiwan's efforts to engage the 
international community would be welcomed and applauded by most 
everyone. After all, Taiwan is a stable, thriving multi-party 
democracy, with free and fair elections held at all levels of 
government. Having made a peaceful transition from dictatorship to 
democracy over the last twenty years, Taiwan has demonstrated a deep 
commitment to liberty and human rights--earning the highest possible 
rating in the categories of ``political rights'' and ``civil rights'' 
from Freedom House last year. The island is a global hub for 
technological innovation, and boasts the 20th largest economy in the 
world.
  Indeed, Americans who heard President Bush proclaim in his second 
inaugural address, ``When you stand for your liberty, we will stand 
with you,'' might assume that United States stands firmly behind the 
Taiwanese bid to join the UN, and that the Bush administration support 
for Taipei's endeavor is a foregone conclusion.
  But they would be wrong.
  This is because the United States--like many UN member states--
maintains a so-called ``One China'' policy. Pursuant to this irrational 
and outdated policy, most countries (including the United States) agree 
to give a wink and a nod to Beijing's claims that Taiwan is simply a 
province of the communist nation, and then acquiesce when China demands 
Taiwan's exclusion from international bodies like the United Nations 
and the World Health Organization.
  Perhaps President Bush should have added a caveat to his famous 
proclamation: ``Offer not available in Taiwan.''
  Beijing argues that Taiwan's 23 million people are `represented' by 
the unelected government of the People's Republic of China in 
international bodies--an argument that UN and WHO bureaucrats are quick 
to parrot. But the Beijing government routinely threatens to attack 
Taiwan and has deployed upwards of 1,000 missiles on its southeastern 
coast aimed directly at the island. So while it might be politically 
expedient for China to claim that they represent Taiwan, no fair-minded 
person (or government) could honestly be expected to believe this.
  Of course, most countries realize this. While Taiwan's government 
enjoys formal diplomatic ties with only around thirty nations (mostly 
small and impoverished nations in Latin America, the Caribbean and 
Africa), they maintain more than 100 quasi-embassies or ``Trade 
Offices'' in nearly every country in the world. And most of these 
countries (including the United States) maintain a reciprocal mission 
in Taiwan's Capital City, Taipei. Why? The reason is obvious: Because 
they all realize that the totalitarian government of China doesn't 
really speak for the people of democratic Taiwan.
  The fact of the matter is that Taiwan controls its own territory, 
dictates its own foreign policy, maintains its own armed forces, and 
most importantly--elects its own leaders. It has a larger population 
than Australia, and boasts one of the most dynamic economies in the 
world. Taiwan is more than qualified for membership, and eager to make 
a meaningful contribution.
  President Bush should live up to the promise he made in his inaugural 
speech and support Taiwan's bid to join the UN. Taiwan is by all 
measures a sovereign and independent nation--and I hope that United 
States and the other free nations of the world will finally muster the 
courage stand up and say so.
  Thank you Madam Speaker.

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