[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 77 (Monday, May 16, 2016)]
[House]
[Pages H2395-H2397]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    REAFFIRMATION OF THE TAIWAN RELATIONS ACT AND THE SIX ASSURANCES

  Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 88) reaffirming the Taiwan 
Relations Act and the Six Assurances as the cornerstone of United 
States-Taiwan relations, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
  The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 88

       Whereas the Cold War years cemented the close friendship 
     between the United States and Taiwan, with Taiwan as an anti-
     Communist ally in the Asia-Pacific;
       Whereas United States economic aid prevented Taiwan from 
     sliding into an economic depression in the 1950s and greatly 
     contributed to the island's later economic takeoff;
       Whereas Taiwan has flourished to become a beacon of 
     democracy in Asia and leading trade partner for the United 
     States, and the relationship has endured for more than 65 
     years through many shifts in Asia's geopolitical landscape;
       Whereas the strong relationship between the United States 
     and Taiwan is based on mutually beneficial security, 
     commercial, and cultural ties;
       Whereas Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Susan Thornton 
     stated in her testimony before the House Foreign Affairs 
     Committee on February 11, 2016, that ``The people on Taiwan 
     have built a prosperous, free, and orderly society with 
     strong institutions, worthy of emulation and envy'';
       Whereas Deputy Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken stated 
     on March 29, 2016, that with Taiwan's January 2016 elections, 
     ``the people of Taiwan showed the world again what a mature, 
     Chinese-speaking democracy looks like'';
       Whereas on January 1, 1979, when the Carter Administration 
     established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic 
     of China (PRC), it ended formal diplomatic ties with the 
     Republic of China on Taiwan;
       Whereas, the United States Congress acted swiftly to 
     reaffirm the United States-Taiwan relationship with the 
     enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act just 100 days later, 
     ensuring the United States maintained a robust and enduring 
     relationship with Taiwan;
       Whereas the Taiwan Relations Act (Public Law 96-8) was 
     enacted on April 10, 1979, codifying into law the basis for 
     continued commercial, cultural, and other relations between 
     the United States and Taiwan;
       Whereas the Taiwan Relations Act was enacted ``to help 
     maintain peace, security, and stability in the Western 
     Pacific'', which ``are in the political, security, and 
     economic interests of the United States and are matters of 
     international concern'';
       Whereas the United States Congress significantly 
     strengthened the draft legislation originally submitted by 
     the Executive Branch to include provisions concerning 
     Taiwan's security in the Taiwan Relations Act;
       Whereas then-Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Kin Moy 
     stated in his written testimony before the House Foreign 
     Affairs Committee on March 14, 2014, that, ``Our enduring 
     relationship under the Taiwan Relations Act represents a 
     unique asset for the United States and is an important 
     multiplier of our influence in the region'', and credited the 
     Taiwan Relations Act for having ``played such a key part in 
     protecting Taiwan's freedom of action and U.S. interests the 
     last 35 years in the Asia-Pacific area'';
       Whereas then-Special Assistant to the President and 
     National Security Council Senior Director for Asian Affairs 
     Evan Medeiros noted on March 28, 2014 that the Taiwan 
     Relations Act was ``an enduring expression to the people of 
     Taiwan about our commitment to their well-being, their 
     security, their economic autonomy, and their international 
     space'';
       Whereas the Taiwan Relations Act states ``the United States 
     decision to establish diplomatic relations with the People's 
     Republic of China rests upon the expectation that the future 
     of Taiwan will be determined by peaceful means'';
       Whereas the Taiwan Relations Act states that it is the 
     policy of the United States to ``provide Taiwan with arms of 
     a defensive character'' and ``to maintain the capacity of the 
     United States to resist any resort to force or other forms of 
     coercion that would jeopardize the security, or the social or 
     economic system, of the people on Taiwan'';
       Whereas each successive United States Administration since 
     the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act has provided arms 
     of a defensive character to Taiwan;
       Whereas a 2015 Department of Defense report to Congress on 
     Military and Security Developments Involving the People's 
     Republic of China stated that, ``Preparing for potential 
     conflict in the Taiwan Strait remains the focus and primary 
     driver of China's military investment'';
       Whereas the United States has an abiding interest in the 
     preservation of cross-Strait peace and stability, and in 
     peace and stability in the entire Asia-Pacific region;
       Whereas on July 14, 1982, as the United States negotiated 
     with the People's Republic of China over the wording of a 
     joint communique' related to United States arms sales to 
     Taiwan, President Ronald Reagan instructed his representative 
     in Taiwan, American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Director James 
     R. Lilley, to relay a set of assurances to Taiwan's then-
     President Chiang Ching-kuo;
       Whereas in House and Senate testimony immediately after the 
     issuance of the August 17, 1982, Joint Communique' with the 
     PRC, then-Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and 
     Pacific Affairs John H. Holdridge stated on behalf of the 
     Executive Branch that--
       (1) ``. . .[W]e did not agree to set a date certain for 
     ending arms sales to Taiwan'';
       (2) ``. . .[W]e see no mediation role for the United 
     States'' between Taiwan and the PRC;
       (3) ``. . .[N]or will we attempt to exert pressure on 
     Taiwan to enter into negotiations with the PRC'';
       (4) ``. . .[T]here has been no change in our longstanding 
     position on the issue of sovereignty over Taiwan'';
       (5) ``We have no plans to seek'' revisions to the Taiwan 
     Relations Act; and
       (6) the August 17 Communique', ``should not be read to 
     imply that we have agreed to engage in prior consultations 
     with Beijing on arms sales to Taiwan'';
       Whereas these assurances, first delivered to Taiwan's 
     president by AIT Director Lilley, have come to be known as 
     the Six Assurances;
       Whereas in testimony before the House Foreign Affairs 
     Committee on October 4, 2011, then-Assistant Secretary of 
     State Kurt Campbell stated that, ``[The] Taiwan Relations 
     Act, plus the so-called Six Assurances and Three 
     Communique's, form the foundation of our overall approach'', 
     to relations with Taiwan; and
       Whereas in testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations 
     Committee on April 3, 2014, Assistant Secretary of State 
     Daniel R. Russel stated that the Six Assurances ``continue to 
     play an important part as an element of our approach to 
     Taiwan and the situation across the strait'': Now, therefore, 
     be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That Congress--
       (1) affirms that the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six 
     Assurances are both cornerstones of United States relations 
     with Taiwan; and
       (2) urges the President and Department of State to affirm 
     the Six Assurances publicly, proactively, and consistently as 
     a cornerstone of United States-Taiwan relations.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Royce) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.


                             General Leave

  Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 
5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include 
any extraneous material in the Record.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 88.
  I would like to recognize Mr. Chabot for his longstanding dedication 
and support for the people of Taiwan.
  Mr. Speaker, Taiwan has always been a strong friend and critical ally 
to the United States. Congress has been central to this relationship, 
championing a strong relationship with Taiwan through landmark measures 
like the Taiwan Relations Act and through pressing successive 
administrations to fulfill their obligation to sell defensive arms to 
Taiwan.
  Taiwan is now the United States' ninth largest trading partner, and 
it is in the U.S.' interest to have a stable and a prosperous Taiwan.
  It is an exciting time in Taiwan. In January, a free and fair 
election once again demonstrated the strength and vibrancy of Taiwan's 
democratic system. And in 3 days, we expect the newly elected President 
to be inaugurated in a peaceful transfer of power from one party to 
another.
  The people of Taiwan should be proud of their prosperous, free, and 
democratic society and what they have been able to accomplish, despite 
having to face countless challenges outside of their control.
  Mr. Speaker, when the U.S. established diplomatic relations with the

[[Page H2396]]

People's Republic of China on January 1, 1979, the U.S. Congress acted 
just 100 days later to pass the Taiwan Relations Act, which would 
ensure that the United States maintained a robust and enduring 
relationship with Taiwan.
  Three years later, in 1982, President Reagan deepened the U.S. 
commitment to Taiwan by issuing the Six Assurances to Taiwan, which 
included treating Taiwan as we would treat any one of our allies when 
making decisions on defensive arms sales, not setting a date for 
termination of arms sales, and not altering the Taiwan Relations Act.
  Mr. Speaker, this legislation is especially important when it comes 
to the Six Assurances. When the Reagan administration delivered the Six 
Assurances, it was by way of a verbal agreement and has largely 
remained as such since 1982.
  Today, by passing this resolution, Congress is going on record that 
the cornerstone of U.S.-Taiwan policy is not only the Taiwan Relations 
Act, but also the Six Assurances. This important measure solidifies 
President Reagan's commitment to Taiwan and urges this administration 
and the ones that follow to publicly, proactively, and consistently 
take the Six Assurances into account when handling United States-Taiwan 
relations.
  I am proud that in the 114th Congress we have already passed 
legislation which supports Taiwan's inclusion in INTERPOL and that we 
are now also passing a measure which will reassure our friends in 
Taiwan and press the administration to continue to abide by the Six 
Assurances. I am also proud that maintaining a strong relationship with 
Taiwan continues to be a bipartisan issue.
  I appreciate Mr. Eliot Engel's support on this initiative, the 
ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee. Let me say that, by 
passing this resolution, we, the United States Congress, are yet again 
taking another step toward strengthening the U.S.-Taiwan partnership.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise in support of this resolution.
  Let me once again thank Chairman Ed Royce and our colleague from Ohio 
(Mr. Chabot), who introduced this measure.
  At the end of this week, Taiwan will swear in a new President, 
marking another peaceful democratic transition in that country. I have 
had the pleasure of meeting the President-elect, Dr. Tsai Ing-wen, 
several times as well as the country's outgoing leader, President Ma. 
And though they represent different political parties, it is clear that 
they are both fully committed to Taiwan's vibrant democracy and open 
society. Those values are also at the root of the close ties between 
the United States and Taiwan.
  This resolution affirms our commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act 
and the Six Assurances. These are the measures that have underpinned 
our relationship with the Taiwanese people since we normalized 
relations with the People's Republic of China.
  As Taiwan prepares for this week's political transition, it is vital 
that the United States send a clear signal that we continue to stand 
with the people of Taiwan on a range of issues, from Taiwan's defense 
to its growing role on the global stage, to its commitment to freedom 
and democracy.
  So I am happy to support this measure. We should continue to stand 
with our partners in Taiwan, and I wish the people of Taiwan well as 
they swear in a new President this week. I might add, it is the first 
woman President of Taiwan.
  I urge support for this resolution.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio 
(Mr. Chabot). He is chairman of the Small Business Committee, a senior 
member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the author of this 
measure.
  Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 88.
  I was one of the original founders of the Congressional Taiwan 
Caucus. It was a bipartisan group of people who founded it. I have been 
the chairman of the Foreign Affairs' Subcommittee on Asia and the 
Pacific. I have been a longtime friend of Taiwan. I have been there 
probably a dozen times over the years.
  This important legislation reaffirms the Taiwan Relations Act and the 
Six Assurances as cornerstones of U.S.-Taiwan relations.
  As a longtime supporter of Taiwan, as I mentioned, I believe that the 
U.S.-Taiwan relationship is absolutely vital to the security and 
sustainability not just of Taiwan, but of the whole region.
  Taiwan is a close ally, one that truly believes and practices freedom 
and democracy. We witnessed this firsthand this past January, as some 
of my colleagues have mentioned, when the people of Taiwan held 
democratic national elections resulting in the election of Tsai Ing-
wen. I want to congratulate her and wish her best wishes in her role as 
President of Taiwan.
  Taiwan elects their people democratically, unlike the PRC right 
across the Taiwan Strait. As we know, China has been bullying Taiwan 
for many years now. It is unfortunate that the PRC, China, doesn't 
follow, as an example, the people of Taiwan, who democratically elect 
their leaders.

                              {time}  1630

  Taiwan faces an unrelenting threat from China, which has nearly 1,600 
ballistic missiles aimed at this small island. I remember when I came 
to Congress about 20 years ago, we talked about how scary it was that 
there were a couple hundred, 200 or 300 missiles aimed at Taiwan at 
that time. That has increased over the years to 1,600 missiles aimed at 
Taiwan from China.
  Although Taiwan enjoys de facto independence, China's ultimate goal 
is to take over Taiwan, to annex Taiwan, whatever the people of Taiwan 
believe. We absolutely cannot let that happen. China's ultimate goal, 
as I say, is the annexation of the island. We have all seen the growing 
hostilities in the East China Sea and South China Sea over the last 
couple years.
  I believe that this legislation underscores the point that the Taiwan 
Strait continues to be one of the potential flash points on the globe. 
We have seen China literally building islands and then militarizing 
those islands, much to the chagrin of all their neighbors in the 
region, from Japan to Vietnam, to Taiwan, to the Philippines, and on 
and on. That is what the PRC, China, has been up to. Any sort of 
solution between China and Taiwan should be reached in a peaceful and 
fair manner and only with the agreement of the people of Taiwan.
  Mr. Speaker, April 10, 2016, marked the 37th anniversary of the 
enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act, the TRA. This act codifies into 
law an institutional framework and legal basis for continued 
interaction between the U.S. and Taiwan, and it serves to maintain 
peace and stability in the western Pacific.
  When President Ronald Reagan agreed to sign the U.S.-China third 
communique in 1982, he was aware of the communique's effect on Taiwan 
and fully recognized that Taiwan needed to be reassured that they would 
not be abandoned--and they will not be abandoned--by the United States.
  In order to reinforce American support for Taiwan, the United States 
issued the Six Assurances. The Six Assurances provided a framework for 
sustaining the unique relationship between the United States and our 
ally, Taiwan. Mr. Speaker, they are as valid today as they were back in 
1982. They rightfully function along with the TRA, as cornerstones of 
U.S.-Taiwan relations.
  I encourage my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to 
close.
  Mr. Speaker, it is important that the democracies of the world stand 
together to help strengthen freedom, justice, and opportunity. That is 
why the United States and Taiwan have been such natural partners over 
the decades. Even as we deal with the People's Republic of China, we 
must continue to stand with our friends in Taiwan.
  Again, I am delighted that Dr. Tsai Ing-wen is the first female 
President of Taiwan. Perhaps we will follow suit in November with the 
first woman President. This resolution reaffirms just how important 
that relationship is; and as Taiwan moves forward with this week's 
political transition, that country's people should know that they have 
an enduring friend in the United States.

[[Page H2397]]

  Again, I commend Mr. Chabot for his insight in putting forward this 
resolution. I thank our chairman. I support this measure.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen), the chairman emeritus of the Committee on 
Foreign Affairs.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman and the ranking 
member for their wonderful leadership for many years on the issue of 
strengthening U.S.-Taiwan relations. I also want to thank the gentleman 
from Ohio (Mr. Chabot), my dear friend, for authoring this important 
resolution of which I am proud to be a cosponsor.
  H. Con. Res. 88 reaffirms the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six 
Assurances as the cornerstones of U.S.-Taiwan relations, guidelines to 
which there should be no doubt about the commitment of the United 
States to our neighbor.
  In January, Taiwan once again demonstrated that it is one of the 
world's strongest and most vibrant democracies, a great partner, and I 
congratulate President-elect Tsai on her tremendous election and all of 
the people of Taiwan on their continued democratic success.
  Taiwan is truly a beacon of freedom in the Pacific, serving as an 
inspiration for those still suffering under repressive regimes, and is 
living proof of what can be achieved with liberty and self-government, 
principles that undergird both of our nations and form the foundation 
for our mutual stability, for our security, for our prosperity.
  As Taiwan's neighbor China continues raising tensions in the region, 
it is crucial that the United States provide Taiwan with the capability 
to defend herself against Chinese aggression, whether that aggression 
is political in nature, economic, or military. Both China and Taiwan 
must know that our commitment to Taiwan has not wavered one bit.
  Taiwan is an essential U.S. ally. It is our friend. It is our 
partner. I thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot), my friend, for 
authoring this resolution, for reaffirming our commitment to the Taiwan 
Relations Act, to the Six Assurances, and to the Taiwanese people here 
today.
  The United States will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with 
Taiwan. I look forward, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chairman, and ranking member, 
to even greater cooperation and friendship with Taiwan in the years 
ahead.
  I thank the gentleman for the time, and I thank the ranking member 
for his leadership and Mr. Chabot for authoring this important 
resolution.
  Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Carter).
  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H. Con. 
Res. 88 and its effects on U.S. foreign relations.
  Since 1979, the United States has enjoyed a friendly and productive 
relationship that has been supported by the passage of the Taiwan 
Relations Act and Six Assurances. The Taiwan Relations Act was a 
monumental piece of legislation that is directly responsible for 
fostering the longstanding friendship between the United States and 
Taiwan. The Six Assurances also played a significant role, setting the 
principles by which the United States would mediate its relationship 
with Taiwan and China.
  As security concerns have increased in the South Pacific, our allies 
in the region have contributed significantly to the safety and economic 
growth of the region. As a member of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, I 
am continually supportive of efforts to strengthen the friendship 
between our two countries.
  I would like to commend Congressman Chabot, Chairman Royce, and the 
Committee on Foreign Affairs for their leadership on this issue and 
their continued efforts in championing the close ties we have with 
Taiwan. I encourage all of my colleagues to support this measure so we 
can continue to ensure a bright future for both Taiwan and for the 
United States.
  Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  As one of the coauthors of this legislation, I really want to thank 
Representative Chabot for introducing this measure and for being a 
longtime champion on Taiwan, especially as he was chairman of the 
Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific last Congress. I want to thank Mr. 
Engel as well for his efforts on this legislation.
  We have a commitment to democracy, and we share that with Taiwan. We 
share this commitment to the rule of law, to human rights. Frankly, 
Taiwan serves as an example of what can be built based upon these 
shared principles, and so do we.
  I think the Six Assurances are a critical element of U.S.-Taiwan 
policy, but obviously they are not consistently referenced or referred 
to as a cornerstone of U.S.-Taiwan policy alongside the Taiwan 
Relations Act, which is considered that cornerstone. Passage of H. Con. 
Res. 88 will put that longstanding verbal agreement onto paper, and, in 
turn, it will call on the administration and future administrations in 
unambiguous terms to publicly abide by the assurances offered by 
President Reagan.
  Taiwan is one of America's closest friends, and I urge my colleagues 
to join me in supporting H. Con. Res. 88.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 
88, reaffirming the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances as the 
cornerstone of U.S.-Taiwan relations.
  As a co-Chair of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, I want to thank my 
colleague and founding co-Chair of the Taiwan Caucus, Steve Chabot, for 
introducing this measure.
  When discussing the origins, stakeholders, and impact of the Taiwan 
Relations Act (TRA), it is important to note the significant role 
Congress played in amending the draft legislation the Executive Branch 
proposed for the maintenance of unofficial relations with Taiwan.
  I want to thank the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Foreign 
Affairs Committee for working with me on an amendment to H. Con. Res. 
88 that credits Congress with significantly strengthening the TRA and 
the codified U.S. commitment to Taiwan.
  The draft legislative text proposed by the Executive Branch published 
in the March 1979 Department of State Bulletin included three simple 
titles to provide the legal authority for the maintenance of 
commercial, cultural, and other relations with Taiwan.
  However, the Taiwan Relations Act enacted into law bears little 
resemblance to the text published in the March 1979 Bulletin.
  Through the legislative process in both the House of Representatives 
and Senate, Congress left its mark on our enduring commitment to Taiwan 
in several ways, most notably by adding the security commitments made 
in Section 2(b)(5) and Section 3 of the TRA.
  The U.S. and Taiwan have since developed a dynamic relationship based 
on our shared values, deep economic ties, security relationship, and a 
history of bilateral collaboration.
  It is in the tradition of Congressional stewardship of the U.S.-
Taiwan relationship that I urge my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 
88.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Royce) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 88, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the concurrent resolution, as amended, was 
agreed to.
  The title of the concurrent resolution was amended so as to read: 
``Concurrent resolution reaffirming the Taiwan Relations Act and the 
Six Assurances as cornerstones of United States-Taiwan relations.''.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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