[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24497]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




IN SUPPORT OF TAIWAN'S APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE UNITED NATIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 17, 2007

  Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, in his 2004 State of the Union Address, 
President Bush said, ``I believe that God has planted in every human 
heart the desire to live in freedom. And even when that desire is 
crushed by tyranny for decades, it will rise again.''
  For decades, the people of Taiwan have been living under the tyranny 
of Chinese repression of their rights to join world bodies and engage 
in peaceful relations with the international community. Taiwan and the 
government of President Chen Shui-bian are continuing their pursuit for 
more than a decade to achieve a seat at the table of the United 
Nations. However, they have run into obstacles from the UN Secretary 
General.
  For several years, tensions in the Taiwan straits have been 
escalating due to China's refusal to give up using military force 
against Taiwan. China has deployed tactical missiles along its coast 
aimed at Taiwan. In addition the Anti-Secession Act passed by China in 
2005 has increased tensions in the straits. These actions have left the 
people of Taiwan searching for a means of peacefully resolving their 
differences. One of the world's foremost bodies for resolving 
differences and promoting peace in the world is of course, the United 
Nations. Given China's acts of aggression towards Taiwan, it should 
come as little surprise that the government in Taipei is now turning 
towards the peacekeeping body for membership.
  Madam Speaker, I hope the Secretary General will reconsider his 
position on Taiwan's membership to this international body dedicated to 
maintaining a peaceful world. Taiwan must be allowed to join this body 
to protect its political and economic development, as well as, its 
peace and security. Acceptance of Taiwan into the United Nations will 
allow the 2 governments to work with the international community on 
equal and neutral terms to resolve the tensions in the Taiwan Strait. 
The United States has much to gain from a demilitarized Taiwan Strait. 
UN membership for Taiwan can help U.S. and Taiwanese interests. I 
wholeheartedly support this application for United Nations membership.

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