In Honor of President Chen Shui-Bian's Visit to the United States

IN HONOR OF PRESIDENT CHEN SHUI-BIAN'S VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES -- (Extensions of Remarks - September 15, 2005)

SPEECH OF
HON. PETE SESSIONS
OF TEXAS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2005

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian will be staying for two nights in Miami en route to Central America; on his way back to Taiwan he will be staying overnight in San Francisco. During the last five years as president of Taiwan, Chen has gone on several state visits including trips to some of Taiwan's diplomatic allies. Last April President Chen visited the Vatican City to pay final respects to the late Pope John Paul II. I hope President Chen's stopovers in America this September will be both restful and useful to the exchange of ideas between himself and some of his American friends and supporters.

As a friend of the Taiwanese people, I believe that Taiwan has been unjustifiably denied its proper recognition in the international community. Taiwan is a sovereign state; it is a constructive global citizen and a dynamic democracy. Yet it is not a member of the United Nations. As the United Nations celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, it is time for the UN General Assembly to re-examine the issue of Taiwan's membership. I therefore urge my colleagues, friends and supporters of Taiwan to speak up on the issue of Taiwan's bid to join the UN. The world must not allow China, an authoritarian state, to continue to deny Taiwan UN membership.

As for Taiwan's relations with the United States, Taiwan enjoys the support of both the Bush Administration and Congress. U.S. presidents have all committed the United States to the Taiwan Relations Act and pledged support for Taiwan if it were to be attacked by China. Congress has also passed legislation voicing its support of Taiwan. In the mean time, the United States has continued to sell military articles to Taiwan in accordance with Taiwan's defense needs. In addition, we appreciate our strong trade relations with Taiwan. This September a Taiwan agricultural goodwill mission is touring the United States, pledging to buy up to more than $3.1 billion of U.S. wheat, soybeans, corn and hide in 2006 and 2007. A letter of intent signing ceremony between members of the Taiwan mission and U.S. grain exporters was held on September 14 on the Hill.

Trade relations aside, the Taiwanese people have been standing firmly behind the United States after 9/11. Their government has made every effort to protect U.S. interests in Taiwan and cooperated with our intelligence agencies. It made monetary contributions to the Twin Towers Fund, the Pentagon Memorial Fund and most recently gave $2 million to victims of Hurricane Katrina. Other signs of friendship include Taiwanese people sending their brightest students to study at our colleges and universities and a great majority of their tourists choosing to spend their dollars in American destinations.

As President Chen passes through America this September, we'd like him and his people to know that we greatly appreciate his country and have great fondness for his people and their friendship for us.

http://thomas.loc.gov