In Support of Taiwan's Application for Membership in the United Nations

Floor Speech

IN SUPPORT OF TAIWAN'S APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE UNITED NATIONS -- (Extensions of Remarks - 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 two 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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