[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 3]
[House]
[Pages 3205-3207]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




SUPPORTING TAIWAN'S FOURTH DIRECT AND DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS 
                             IN MARCH 2008

  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 278) supporting Taiwan's fourth 
direct and democratic presidential elections in March 2008, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
  The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 278

       Whereas the United States and Taiwan share common ideals 
     and a clear vision for the 21st century, where freedom and 
     democracy are the foundations for peace, prosperity, and 
     progress;
       Whereas Taiwan has dramatically improved its record on 
     human rights and routinely holds free and fair elections in a 
     multiparty system, as evidenced by Taiwan's first democratic 
     presidential election in 1996, second in 2000, and third in 
     2004;
       Whereas the democratic and open presidential elections in 
     2000 mark the first transfer of power from one party to 
     another in Taiwan's history;
       Whereas Taiwan has demonstrated its unequivocal support for 
     human rights and a commitment to the democratic ideals of 
     freedom of speech, freedom of the press, rule of law, and 
     free and fair elections routinely held in a multiparty 
     system;
       Whereas Taiwan is one of the strongest democratic allies of 
     the United States in the Asia-Pacific region;
       Whereas it is United States policy to support and 
     strengthen democracy around the world;
       Whereas, with its stable democratic system and impressive 
     economic prowess, Taiwan stands apart from many equally young 
     democracies whose freedom and liberty have been severely 
     challenged; and
       Whereas the United States Congress has organized 
     congressional delegations to witness the electoral process in 
     thriving democracies, including elections in Taiwan: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That it is the sense of the Congress that--
       (1) the United States Government should reaffirm its 
     unwavering commitment to Taiwan's democracy and security; and
       (2) international delegations should be encouraged to visit 
     Taiwan for the purpose of witnessing the presidential 
     elections in March 2008.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Berman) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.


                             General Leave

  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include 
extraneous material on the concurrent resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, 
and yield myself 5 minutes.
  I would like first to thank the ranking member of the full committee, 
Ms. Ros-Lehtinen, for introducing this important resolution.
  The United States' relationship with Taiwan speaks to the great 
importance of democracy in our foreign policy. Over the past 60 years, 
the U.S.-Taiwan relationship has undergone dramatic changes, but it is 
Taiwan's development of democracy that underpins the strong U.S.-Taiwan 
friendship we enjoy today.
  Initially our relations were defined by a shared strategic purpose of 
containing the spread of communism in Asia. This Cold War imperative 
served our strategic goals, but compelled us to cooperate with an 
authoritarian dictatorship in Taipei that failed to respect basic human 
rights. With the normalization of relations with Beijing in 1973, the 
Cold War's strategic landscape changed, and, over time, could have 
threatened to diminish the importance of the U.S.-Taiwan partnership. 
But Taiwan's commitment to democracy prevented such a split.
  As the PRC liberalized and opened up to the world economically, 
Taiwan's political system evolved from authoritarianism to one of the 
strongest democratic systems in Asia, and in the process the U.S.-
Taiwan relationship transformed from one based solely on shared 
interest to one based on shared values.
  Today Taiwan is a flourishing, multiparty democracy that respects 
human rights, upholds the rule of law and holds competitive elections, 
including presidential elections in 1996, 2000, and 2004. This 
remarkable political evolution proves beyond any doubt that the notion 
of ``Asian values,'' which was used to justify one man or one party 
rule, is a complete fallacy. Democracy, freedom and human rights are 
universal values to which all human beings aspire.
  This resolution recognizes Taiwan's strong democratic system by 
supporting Taiwan's fourth democratic presidential election, which will 
take place in March of this year, and by encouraging delegations from 
around the world to visit Taiwan to witness the election process.

                              {time}  1100

  It is important to note, however, that this resolution should not be 
construed as taking a position on the referendum regarding Taiwan's 
membership in the United Nations under the name Taiwan, which is also 
being held in conjunction with the presidential election. The purpose 
of this resolution is to honor the U.S.-Taiwan friendship by 
celebrating Taiwan's democracy. I strongly support this resolution and 
encourage my colleagues to do the same.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I would also like to thank Ranking Member Ros-Lehtinen for authoring 
this great piece of legislation, the resolution.
  I would like to take this opportunity also to offer our varied Asian 
American communities, Taiwanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and 
Singaporean, belated wishes for good fortune in the lunar new year 
which began last month. I wish all these communities health, long life, 
and prosperity as they welcome the Year of the Rat, a year which brings 
hard work, activity, and renewal. We also expect hard work and much 
activity in the months ahead in what promises to be a dynamic 2008.
  Taiwan faces a very competitive campaign in the next 2 weeks before 
the March 22 presidential election. No one is able to predict the final 
outcome. That in itself is an indication of a thriving democracy.
  Those skeptics who once said that democratic values would never 
thrive in a Chinese cultural context need to look no further than 
Taiwan. Free and fair elections in Taiwan bear a significance which 
reaches far beyond the shores of one island.
  Taiwan, through its maturing democratic institutions, stands as a 
shining example for other Asian states struggling with the introduction 
of representative forms of government and the rule of law. Taiwan's 
free elections, however, have the greatest impact on those who are 
still yearning to breathe free in the vast Chinese mainland just across 
the narrow Taiwan Strait.
  Taiwan's young democracy faces constant military threat and 
intimidation from neighboring China. Yet in spite of these belligerent 
threats and the constant saber-rattling by Beijing, Taipei has 
continued to stand tall for freedom. Taiwan's evolving and dynamic 
democracy serves as a beacon of hope for those still suffering under 
oppression in the Communist Chinese mainland.

[[Page 3206]]

  Taiwan's democracy is a torch which shines ever brighter, far 
outshining the Olympic torch of the Chinese regime which hopes this 
year to use sports to achieve propaganda victory. Freedom shines 
brighter than any medal, Mr. Speaker.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in giving their strong, 
enthusiastic support to this resolution which welcomes Taiwan's fourth 
direct and democratic elections as part of our ongoing efforts to 
promote democracy around the world and in the Asian region in 
particular. I wish the people of Taiwan continued peace, prosperity, 
and liberty in this Year of the Rat, and in the years and decades 
ahead.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield to my friend from 
American Samoa, the chairman of the Asian Subcommittee, Mr. 
Faleomavaega, 5 minutes.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, last month the House Foreign Affairs 
Committee marked up House Concurrent Resolution 278, and I would like 
to thank the distinguished chairman of the House Foreign Affairs 
Committee, Mr. Berman, and also our senior ranking member, Ms. Ros-
Lehtinen, for agreeing to removal of certain language suggesting that 
the People's Republic of China is currently threatening or intimidating 
Taiwan as it seeks to hold democratic elections.
  Mr. Speaker, I visited Taiwan twice in the past year, and most 
recently in November I met with their President and Premier and even 
their presidential candidates. I can assure my colleagues that 
elections are in full swing in Taiwan with no intimidation from the 
People's Republic of China. In fact, quite the opposite. Taiwan's 
current administration has hung signs and posters on government 
buildings, including the presidential palace, urging Taiwan's accession 
to the United Nations, a policy which the United States does not 
support and which this administration also opposes.
  Mr. Speaker, I appreciate Chairman Berman's comments before the House 
Foreign Affairs Committee in marking up this resolution, and I quote, 
``Passage of this bill should not be construed as taking a position on 
the referendum regarding Taiwan's membership in the United Nations, 
which the Government of Taiwan plans to hold in conjunction with the 
election.''
  I would like to associate myself with Chairman Berman's position and 
remarks as, again, this administration has made it clear that it does 
not support a vote on the referendum being held in conjunction with the 
election.
  Mr. Speaker, Taiwan has come a long way. It was only until 1996 that 
they had their first elected President of the people of Taiwan. Taiwan 
ranks among the top 10 of our trading partners of the world and, 
ironically, Taiwan currently holds a $100 billion trade relationship 
with the People's Republic of China. Many people don't realize this.
  Given the nature of this debate, Mr. Speaker, it is my intent to be 
in Taiwan this month to monitor or to observe the upcoming elections. I 
think it is important for Members to observe firsthand the process and 
meet the leaders in Taiwan and Beijing before being so quick to condemn 
the People's Republic of China.
  Mr. Speaker, while Hong Kong is a different case, we should not 
forget that it was China, not Britain, that wrote into the Basic Law of 
Hong Kong provisions for Hong Kong to hold democratic elections 
ultimately based on universal suffrage.
  I support Taiwan's right to hold democratic elections which started, 
as I said earlier, about 10 years ago; but I do not believe it will be 
in the best interest of our country to support the position of Taiwan's 
current administration which has attempted to push for independence, 
which is contrary to the U.S. position on one China, two systems. 
Whatever political relationship Taiwan and China want to work out 
peacefully, I believe that this is what we should also be supporting. 
Therefore, in no way should passage of this resolution be construed to 
be anything than what it is. This is a resolution to congratulate 
Taiwan's efforts to build a greater foundation for democracy and its 
upcoming presidential elections. It is my understanding that the U.S. 
does not and should not take a position on which candidate the people 
of Taiwan should elect. It is up to the people of Taiwan to determine 
who will best represent their interests, and we will support the will 
of the people.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Ohio (Mr. Chabot), the ranking member of the Committee on Small 
Business and a longstanding friend of Taiwan.
  Mr. CHABOT. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  I rise as one of the founding members of the Congressional Taiwan 
Caucus, and I also want to thank the gentlelady from Nevada, Shelley 
Berkley, for her leadership in that capacity as well, as well as our 
colleagues Robert Wexler and Dana Rohrabacher who are the other 
founding members.
  I most recently traveled to Taiwan this last January, the week prior 
to the Legislative Yuan Elections, and I rise in support of House 
Resolution 278, a resolution recognizing Taiwan's fourth direct 
democratic presidential election to be conducted later this month. This 
resolution sends the right message at the right time.
  As one of the very few democracies in Asia, Taiwan should be 
recognized for its courage and commitment to allow its citizens to 
choose its future. It is a democracy that maintains a multi-party 
political system, and one that recognizes and respects individual 
liberty and human rights.
  Just across the Taiwan Strait is the People's Republic of China. It 
most certainly is not a democracy. It maintains an abysmal human rights 
record. It does not recognize the rule of law. It practices religious 
persecution. It warehouses political prisoners. It carries out a 
coercive abortion policy. And it has more than 800 missiles pointed 
directly at Taiwan. It is against this backdrop that Taiwan forges on 
with its elections.
  I am disappointed that the stronger language contained in the 
introduced version of the bill, which referenced the acts of 
intimidation and pressure by China, were eliminated. It is better to 
speak the truth rather than to worry about offending China's 
sensitivities. Intimidation, pressure, and outright bullying will not 
go away by ignoring it or by being silent about it.
  Notwithstanding this concern, I am supportive of the resolution, and 
I would urge its passage today.
  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the 
gentlelady from Nevada (Ms. Berkley).
  Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the chairman for obtaining 
this position. I know he is going to do a remarkable job.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution and in support of a 
United States ally and a fellow democracy.
  For over 50 years, Taiwan and the United States have enjoyed a strong 
political and economic partnership. In the last two decades, we have 
watched Taiwan blossom into one of the world's leading democracies, 
holding a number of open, fair, and internationally approved elections. 
Its constitution guarantees fundamental freedoms and civil liberties, 
and ensures all citizens have a voice in local and national affairs.
  Mr. Speaker, in an age of terrorism and political violence, it is 
absolutely imperative that the United States stand up for and stand 
with peaceful and free countries around the globe. We must make certain 
that our fellow democracies can determine their own destinies at the 
ballot box without fear of attack or violence.
  This resolution calls on our government to reaffirm its unwavering 
commitment to Taiwan's democracy and security. One way for us to do 
this is to support this election and avoid being seen as taking sides. 
Only by standing firmly with a democratic Taiwan can we uphold the 
principles, our principles, of promoting peace and democracy worldwide. 
I urge support for this resolution.
  Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, today the House considers a timely resolution 
supporting Taiwan's fourth direct and democratic presidential elections 
which will take place in just a few weeks. I am pleased to be a 
cosponsor of this resolution.

[[Page 3207]]

  In 1979, Congress passed the Taiwan Relations Act, which caused our 
Government to consider Taiwan in nearly all respects a sovereign 
partner. President Ronald Reagan reinforced this stance in 1982 when he 
publicly reiterated the US position regarding Taiwan's sovereignty. 
Since that time, the United States and Taiwan have enjoyed increasingly 
close relations, and our two countries maintain a strong strategic 
alliance. Today Taiwan remains one of the strongest democratic allies 
of the United States in the Asia-Pacific region.
  The United States and Taiwan share a common vision of freedom and 
democracy. Since Taiwan's first democratic presidential election in 
1998, Taiwan has successfully held routine, free, and fair elections in 
a multiparty system. As a beacon of democracy in the Asia-Pacific 
region, Taiwan deserves recognition and support from the United States.
  I am pleased to rise in strong support of Taiwan's continued 
commitment to democratic elections. Now is the time for the United 
States to reaffirm its unwavering commitment to Taiwan's democracy and 
security. For an ally that shares our values of freedom, security and 
prosperity, we can do nothing less.
  And that's just the way it is.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Berman) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 278, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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