Published: February 3, 2000
Source: China Times and news reports
Monday's vote in the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act (TSEA) has been welcomed by members of the ruling Kuomintang and the main opposition Democratic Progressive Party, but criticized by the minority New Party's vice presidential candidate.
On February 2, ROC Premier Vincent Siew expressed appreciation for the House vote, but added "We must rely on ourselves for national security."
Siew said the ROC is grateful for the U.S. lawmakers' concern for Taiwan's safety. He added that Taiwan's security goes beyond the safety of the 22 million people residing in the Taiwan area, and that it demands attention from the international community as it affects the peace of the entire Asia Pacific region.
Siew stressed that Taiwan, while never getting involved in the review of bills in the U.S. Congress, customarily accords due respect to such processes. He added that the passage of the act deserves the ROC's attention, but that national security nonetheless must be built at home.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesman Henry Chen yesterday indicated that the ROC is closely watching the progress of the bill, adding that the ROC sincerely appreciates the House's action. However, Chen added that this legislative measure is an internal matter for the United States, in which case established ROC policy is to "hope for the best, but not get involved."
Foreign Minister Chen Chien-jen reiterated that "the bill was initiated by U.S. members of Congress and Taiwan was not involved in the process."
Minister of National Defense Tang Fei said "We welcome any moves that may enhance Taiwan's security."
Officials noted that although they were not surprised that the bill was passed, the overwhelming vote in its favor, by 341 to 70, was especially gratifying.
For the bill to become law, it must be passed by the Senate and then signed into law by President Bill Clinton. It is by no means certain that it will garner Senate approval, and the White House has indicated that if this bill passes both the House and the Senate, President Clinton will exercise his veto.
KMT Legislative Caucus Whip Tseng Yung-chuan yesterday expressed "heartfelt appreciation" for the passage of the TSEA. The head of the Democratic Progressive Party legislative caucus likewise stated, "We should extend our appreciation." Both major parties have appealed to President Clinton not to exercise his veto.
New Party Legislator Fung Hu-hsiang (Elmer Fung), the party's vice presidential candidate, said that Taiwan has long overestimated the strength of foreign forces, and is always seeking foreign support. He believes that "the higher the hope, the greater the risk of disappointment" for Taiwan.
Jason Hu, campaign manager for the KMT's official Lien Chan-Vincent Siew ticket, yesterday stressed that the passage of the bill sends an important message: Peace in the Taiwan Strait and the security of Taiwan must be given due attention. Hu said that recognition of this fact echoes Vice President Lien Chan's advocacy of a "peace zone" in the Taiwan Strait.
Hu noted that "individual" and "person to person" human rights now receive greater attention and outweigh matters of "sovereignty," which hitherto took precedence.
Hu said that as sovereignty is irrelevant to Taiwan's security and peace in the strait, Beijing should not oppose the TSEA. Furthermore, mainland China should not do anything to provoke public opinion in the United States.
The DPP yesterday issued a statement saying that Taiwan's security relies not only on the purchase of weapons, but even more on the creation of an environment of mutual trust, and resolution of cross-strait disagreements through peaceful political negotiation and exchanges.
The statement said that the party appreciates that the interests of Asia Pacific regional peace, including that of the U.S., hinge on the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait area. The discussion and passage of the TSEA demonstrates concern and support for Taiwan's security. The DPP is pleased to see different factions of the U.S. government express collective concern for Taiwan's security, and is grateful for the efforts of such overseas Taiwanese organizations as the Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA) in promoting this bill.
Yen Wan-ching, director of the DPP's Mainland Chinese Affairs Department, said he did not expect the bill to win Senate approval, but added: "The process is more important than the outcome. The legislation conveys the message that we still have Washington's backing."
The Taiwan Independence Party (TAIP) also issued a statement yesterday, welcoming the passage of the act, and paying tribute to the efforts of FAPA. TAIP Chairman Cheng Pang-chen said that not only does the bill's passage have a stabilizing effect on the region, but it also acknowledges the relationship between Taiwan and U.S. interests.
During a meeting between the New Party's Fung and former Vice Premier Lin Yang-kang, who ran for president in 1996, both men expressed grave concern over the bill.
Lin said that what he called Taiwan's excessive military spending has a detrimental impact on other government activities, including internal affairs and development. He said that right now the most important issue is maintaining cross-strait peace.
Lin added that while Taipei and Beijing can maintain cross-strait peace via consultations and negotiations, some people insist on looking for outside help, exacerbating antagonism and increasing the chances of war.
Lin said that if Taiwan can engage in positive talks with mainland China, war can be avoided and Taiwan can reduce its military expenditure.
