[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 17796]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                                 TAIWAN

  Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I want to take a few moments and talk 
about Taiwan which has been a reliable friend and ally of the U.S. in 
Asia for over 50 years. After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 
Taiwan quickly announced its support for the allied war against 
terrorism. Taiwan has since supported the ally efforts to rid Iraq of 
Saddam Hussein and has offered humanitarian and developmental 
assistance in rebuilding Iraq for a free Iraqi people. For that, we 
certainly owe Taiwan a great deal of thanks.
  Taiwan has shown itself to be a democratic and freedom embracing 
republic even while it has undergone threats posed by the People's 
Republic of China, PRC. As the world focuses on continuing tensions in 
the Middle East and Africa, the nuclear situation in North Korea, and 
other threats, we must not ignore the military threat posed by the PRC 
to our friends in Taiwan. The United States must continue to stand with 
Taiwan. It is an island of freedom that must be supported.
  Aside from simply supporting Taiwan's democratic principles of open 
elections, human rights, and freedom of assembly and religious beliefs, 
we must also work to help them with their economy and support of 
markets and trade. I hope at some point the United States takes a 
serious and significant step in further strengthening our economic and 
political ties through a free trade agreement.
  Taiwan is the United States' eighth largest trading partner and its 
largest investment partner. A study produced by the U.S. International 
Trade Commission showed a net gain of $3.4 billion for the U.S. economy 
from a free trade agreement with Taiwan. And this benefits both 
American workers and businesses as well as those in Taiwan. It seems to 
be a winning situation for both Taiwan and the United States. With 
Taiwan's recent accession to the World Trade Organization, now is the 
right time to seriously consider beginning free trade negotiations with 
Taiwan.
  While some say a free trade agreement may muddle our and Taiwan's 
relationship with the PRC, I am hopeful such an agreement will benefit 
all. An agreement could bring about a moderation and softening in the 
PRC's stance toward Taiwan; treating Taiwan as a partner to help it 
modernize and foster in itself democratic reforms.
  Also, we need to make sure the United States stands behind Taiwan and 
helps put an end to the PRC's military might and strategic deployments 
which at times paint a real disturbing and threatening picture for 
Taiwan. The PRC has accelerated its military buildup and now has over 
400 M-class missiles along its southeastern coast. And too many times 
the PRC has routinely conducted live-fire practicing around the Taiwan 
Strait.
  When the PRC conducts these exercises, it further destabilizes the 
region. It undermines the right of the people of Taiwan to live without 
intimidation and threats from the PRC. The PRC even sought to keep 
Taiwan from seeking assistance of the World Health Organization during 
the SARS outbreak, which in fact originated on mainland China and still 
somewhat remains a problem in Asia.
  We cannot stand by when the PRC provokes Taiwan. Even as we deal with 
pressing issues around the world, we must not lose sight of our vital 
interests in Taiwan. I strongly supported President Bush's approval in 
April of 2002 of a sale of Kidd-class destroyers, anti-submarine P-3 
``Orion'' aircraft, and diesel submarines to Taiwan. In accord with the 
Taiwan Relations Act, we must continue to speak out in defense of 
Taiwan, and use our strongest diplomacy to urge the PRC, as a 
responsible member of the international community, to abandon its 
rhetoric and provocative actions, and maintain a dialogue with 
democratic Taiwan.
  While we are so heavily engaged with the war on terrorism and 
involvement in Iraq, we must not lose sight of the democratic and 
freedom-loving Taiwan. I urge my Senate colleagues to encourage Taiwan 
to be strong and firm with its democratic principles, and I urge this 
body to make sure we stand up for and support Taiwan when she needs it 
the most. A strong Taiwan is not only good for her and her people, but 
it is a beacon of hope and encouragement for all those who have 
struggled and fought for democracy and the freeing of the human spirit. 
I thank the Senate for allowing me to raise these issues, and may God 
bless Taiwan--the Republic of China--richly.

                          ____________________