[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 69 (Tuesday, May 15, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E790]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TAIWAN PRESIDENT MA YING-JEOU'S SECOND INAUGURATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DAVID SCOTT

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 15, 2012

  Mr. DAVID SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, on January 14th, 2012, 
Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou successfully won reelection and will be 
inaugurated for a second term on Sunday, May 20th. The day will be one 
of a celebration of democracy, however, like every day in Taiwan, it is 
one clouded by the ever-present, potential danger lurking a mere 100 
miles to its west. The People's Republic of China and its more than 
1,400 missiles will continue to target Taiwan. While Taipei and Beijing 
have made strides in terms of trade, investment, travel and tourism, as 
well as political strides via the repatriation of fugitives; the 
government of mainland China still espouses its belief in a right to 
take Taiwan by force. History is riddled with such fateful attempts in 
this conflict such as Mao Zedong's bombings of Taipei-administered 
islands Kinmen and Matsu in the 1950s.
  In contrast to Taiwan's culture of democracy, mainland China's 
political culture is a closed one. The leadership and its central 
planners listen to few, the least of which include its own people. 
There is little nuance, dialogue or meaningful negotiation unless 
backed by the threat of brute force. The government of the People's 
Republic of China extends its intimidation tactics beyond its borders 
and against its regional neighbors, nations like Vietnam, the 
Philippines and others who lay at least some seafaring claim to the 
waters of the South China Sea.
  We cannot let stand such intimidation and let Taiwan suffer the same 
fate. It is in our national strategic interest and in that of Taiwan's 
for us to continue our providing our steadfast support and in supplying 
Taiwan with defensive capabilities as under our obligations in the 
Taiwan Relations Act. Being sufficiently armed and defensively capable 
is sadly the only way that Taipei can interact with Beijing on what can 
at least pass for a perceived position of strength. The United States 
of America and the American people must continue to have the guts and 
vision to step forth and provide our democratic friend and ally access 
to the tools it needs to defend itself and free way of life.
  Yet, while we must acknowledge the real concerns, the ever-looming 
storm on the horizon in this conflict, we must also take note of the 
successes of democracy. Taiwan continues to hold free and fair 
elections and we will do our part in supporting such continued success. 
So, on this day, please join me in congratulating President Ma on his 
inauguration. But even in celebration, we will not fall complacent; we 
will continue to urge our government to continue providing our support 
of Taiwan and our commitment in providing access to the defensive tools 
it needs to safeguard its democracy.

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