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[Page: S16503]

Mr. LIEBERMAN (for himself, Mr. Wofford, and Mr. Graham) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations:

S. Con. Res. 55

Expressing the sense of the Congress with respect to Taiwan's membership in the United Nations and other international organizations.

Whereas the Republic of China was one of the founding members of the United Nations in 1945;

Whereas as the end of the civil war in China in 1949 the Kuomindang nationalists were defeated and moved their Republic of China government to the island of Taiwan;

Whereas the governments in both Beijing and Taipei claim that they represent all of China, including Taiwan;

Whereas on December 15, 1978, the United States and the People's Republic of China released a joint communique that announced a switch in United States diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing;

Whereas that joint communique also stated that `the United States will maintain cultural, commercial, and other unofficial relations with the people of Taiwan';

Whereas on December 15, 1978, in a unilateral statement released concurrently with that joint communique, the United States stated that it `continues to have an interest in the peaceful resolution of the Taiwan issue';

Whereas on April 10, 1979, President Carter signed into law the Taiwan Relations Act (Public Law 96-8), effective as of January 1, 1979, which created a domestic legal authority for the conduct of unofficial relations with Taiwan;

Whereas since January 1, 1979, the United States, in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act, has continued the sale of selected defense articles and defense services to Taiwan;

Whereas in spite of its economic achievements and significant role in the world economy and in world affairs, Taiwan does not have representation in the United Nations or in other international organizations;

Whereas the people of Taiwan have, through their elected legislators, expressed a strong desire to join the United Nations and other international organizations; and

Whereas the participation of the people on Taiwan in the United Nations and in other international organizations would further enhance the peace, security, and stability in the Pacific and is in the best interests of the United States: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That it is the sense of the Congress that the 21,000,000 people on Taiwan should be represented in the United Nations and in other international organizations.

[Page: S16504]

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Such a move would recognize the exceptional progress of the people on Taiwan in ensuring political freedoms, developing democratic institutions, and building economic strength. Although Taiwan is a small nation in relative size and population, it ranks 13th in world trade, and 25th in per capita income, and is the 7th largest foreign investor. Furthermore, it is the United States' sixth largest trading partner and the largest holder of foreign reserves worldwide with over $88 billion total.

In addition to building a booming economy, the people of Taiwan have taken definitive steps toward democratic reform. Taiwan has worked hard to escape its tumultuous past; and, while it is far from a perfect democracy, substantial strides have been made in developing democratic institutions--including a free press.

By granting U.N. membership to Taiwan, the international community will be sending a clear message that Taiwan is an independent state with a role to play in the rapidly changing international environment.

A similar version of this bill which was introduced by Representatives Torricelli, Dornan, Gejdenson, and Tauzin has been gaining support in the House of Representatives.

Mr. President, as a vibrant member of the international community, Taiwan deserves a seat in the United Nations--not only to benefit the people of Taiwan but to enhance the credibility of the United Nations. It is time to officially recognize the economic and political sovereignty of the people of Taiwan by supporting its full membership in the United Nations.

• [End insert]

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