[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 73 (Monday, May 5, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E811]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                U.S.-TAIWAN ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 5, 2008

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, for the past 60 years, the United 
States and Taiwan have enjoyed a unique and vital relationship. Forged 
during a period of mutual confrontation with communism, our ties have 
flourished over the years. Indeed, what began as primarily a security-
focused partnership has become one based on a wide range of mutual 
interests.
  The growth of our relations was in no way a coincidence. Instead, the 
common values of freedom, democracy and prosperity have guided both our 
peoples over the years. During the past two decades in particular, 
America's support has helped Taiwan develop a vibrant democratic 
government and strong economy, which in turn have provided hope and 
inspiration to others in the region and around the world.
  Today, as Taiwan prepares for yet another milestone in its democratic 
progression--the inauguration of a new President later this month--I 
would like to recognize some of the successes we have had together 
under the leadership of its outgoing President, Chen Shui-bian.
  From President Chen's first months in office, the United States and 
Taiwan worked to advance its rightful role in the international 
community. This began with cooperative efforts to first call for and 
later secure Taiwan's entry into the World Trade Organization.
  Our governments also worked closely together during this period of 
increasing global health awareness and activity. Over the past several 
years. America has consistently pushed to have Taiwan included in 
international forums where it can convey lessons learned from its 
experience with SARS and the Avian flu. In addition, our senior 
diplomats--backed by strong congressional direction in 2003--have 
sought a meaningful role for Taiwan in the World Health Organization.
  Our security interests have also been closely aligned during 
President Chen's tenure. The tragedy that befell the United States on 
September 11, 2001. was met with a swift response by Taiwan, which 
assisted with resources for coalition efforts in Afghanistan. 
cooperative efforts to track and shut down terrorist financial 
networks, participation in our government's Container Security 
Initiative, and many other joint efforts. Taiwan even contributed 
generously to the Pentagon Memorial Fund, in recognition of those who 
lost their lives on 9/11.

  The partnership we have built with Taiwan has also served both 
governments well as we have been compelled to respond to hostile 
Chinese gestures in recent years. Perhaps the starkest example of this 
during President Chen's time in office occurred in December 2004, when 
China unveiled and subsequently enacted its Anti-Secession Law, a 
measure providing legal authority for the People's Liberation Army to 
invade Taiwan without provocation. A steady and determined response by 
President Chen was matched by strong statements of concern from the 
international community, signaling to China that hostile action would 
be met with strong resistance.
  America has also sought ways to counter a wide range of other Chinese 
measures that seek to isolate Taiwan:
  Militarily, China has noticeably increased its threat to Taiwan's 
security through the steady deployment of missiles targeting Taiwan, in 
numbers that have grown by more than 100 per year and now far exceed 
1,000 in number.
  Diplomatically, China has attempted to block at every turn Taiwan's 
efforts to participate in the global community. It opposed Taiwan's 
recent application to join the United Nations as a full member, and has 
repeatedly thwarted Taiwan's attempts to join the UN and its affiliate 
organizations--such as the World Health Organization--even as an 
observer.
  Economically, China has sought to prevent Taiwan from expanding its 
role in international markets--using the dependence created by their 
over $80 billion in annual bilateral trade as a means to advancing 
unification. At the same time, it has been working to build bilateral 
and regional free trade agreements (FTAs) that deliberately exclude 
Taiwan.
  Politically, China's authorities refused to communicate with Taiwan's 
elected leadership during President Chen's tenure, despite repeated 
offers by him to engage in open dialogue.
  As evidenced by the constructive efforts cited earlier, the United 
States and Taiwan have worked closely to address each of these threats 
as they have arisen. And we will continue to do so when President Ma 
Ying-jeou assumes office on May 20th, building on the record of 
achievement that our governments have amassed in just the first years 
of this new century. I look forward to working with President Ma's 
government as we seek to further advance our common values and 
interests.

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