[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 78 (Tuesday, May 13, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E904]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E904]]
                                 TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JOHN ABNEY CULBERSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 13, 2008

  Mr. CULBERSON. Madam Speaker, on March 22nd, the people of Taiwan 
elected a new President with an impressive voter turnout of 76 percent. 
Outgoing President Chen Shui-bian and his administration pledged to 
transfer power peacefully to the new administration. This free and 
democratic transition could never have happened on the other side of 
the Taiwan Strait, which is why we must stand with Taiwan and guarantee 
its survival against threats from communist China.
  Today Taiwan is a prosperous democracy that serves as a model for 
countries throughout the region and the developing world. 
Unfortunately, Taiwan faces a constant threat from the Chinese 
mainland. Right now there are over a thousand Chinese missiles aimed at 
Taiwan. The Chinese government has threatened to use force against 
Taiwan by passing the provocative Anti-Secession Law in 2005. The 
Chinese military buildup along the Taiwan Strait and the Anti-Secession 
Law threaten peace and democracy in the region. Madame Speaker, I hope 
you will join me in commending the Taiwanese people for their strength 
and refusal to allow mainland China to determine their future by force.
  The Taiwan Relations Act forms the bedrock of our Taiwan policy and 
affirms that the future of Taiwan should be determined by peaceful 
means. The United States should continue to preserve and enhance the 
human rights of the people of Taiwan. As we bid farewell to President 
Chen and his administration this month, I know my colleagues will join 
me in reaffirming our commitment to preserve the peace, prosperity and 
liberty of the free people of Taiwan.

                          ____________________