OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Taiwan

By: Jim Costa
By: Jim Costa
Date: July 14, 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Foreign Affairs


TAIWAN -- (Extensions of Remarks - July 15, 2005)

SPEECH OF HON. JIM COSTA OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2005

* Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, one year ago, Chen Shui-bian was re-elected President of Taiwan. The election was the closest in Taiwan's history and marked a reaffirmation that Taiwan is a strong democracy.

* The anniversary of President Chen's re-election provides an important opportunity to review events in Taiwan and across the Taiwan Strait in China. As my colleagues know, China recently enacted a so-called ``anti secession'' law, which China says gives it the right to use military force against Taiwan if Taiwan decides to declare independence. This law is extremely provocative and potentially destabilizing. Like many of my colleagues, I have condemned this law, and I will continue to do so.

* During the past several weeks, the 2 main opposition leaders in Taiwan have traveled to China to meet with the leaders of the Communist Party. These trips have sparked intense debate in Taiwan about the intentions of the Chinese leaders, as well as the future security of Taiwan. This debate is additional evidence of the openness and maturity of the democratic society Taiwan currently enjoys.

* Mr. Speaker, Taiwan reveres its freedom and its democratic form of government. As Taiwan's friend and ally, I believe it is important for the United States to monitor the situation in the Taiwan Strait very carefully to help ensure Taiwan is not forced into a position which would endanger its freedom or its democracy. President Chen has been a tireless advocate for protecting and enhancing Taiwan's freedom. I hope he will use the remaining three years of his second term in office to make certain Taiwan is protected and that Taiwan will be able to continue to flourish politically and economically.

* Mr. Speaker, Taiwan is a good example of democracy in the Asia Pacific region. I applaud the people of Taiwan for their diligence and their enterprise. The democratic experiment in Taiwan has been an exciting one for the past two decades. It is my hope, and I believe many of my colleagues share the view, that similar adoption of democratic principles will someday spread to mainland China.

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