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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

USIS Washington File

28 March 2000

Text: Representative Gilman Praises Taiwan's "Courageous Democracy"

(Chides Beijing for "misguided attempts" to intimidate Taiwan) (1230)
In the course of debate over a resolution in the House of
Representatives praising Taiwan's democratic elections and the
upcoming peaceful transfer of power from one political party to
another, the chairman of the House International Relations Committee
urged President Clinton to follow a policy more like former President
Ronald Reagan's on Taiwan, and called on Beijing to stop threatening
Taiwan.
"On May 20th of this year, for the first time in Taiwan's history of
over 400 years, the mantle of executive power will pass from one
democratically elected president to another," said Representative
Benjamin Gilman (Republican of New York).
"This should serve as a source of pride for Chinese everywhere," he
added.
"This peaceful transfer of power will take place despite the misguided
attempts by the government in Beijing to intimidate Taiwan's voters
and candidates and influence the outcome of this democratic election,"
Gilman said.
The New York Republican called on the Clinton Administration "to
adhere to the 'Reagan Six Assurances.' As you recall, in July 1982,
the Reagan Administration wisely promised Taipei that it would not: 1)
set a date for the ending of arms sales to Taiwan; 2) consult with
China on arms sales; 3) play a mediation role between the PRC and
Taiwan; 4) revise the Taiwan Relations Act; 5) change its position
regarding sovereignty over Taiwan; or 6) exert pressure on Taipei to
enter into negotiations with Beijing."
Gilman chided the Clinton Administration for having "set aside in
part, or completely ignored" what he called the Reagan Six Assurances.
China, he charged, is precipitating an arms race in Asia, and "is
working towards achieving military superiority over Taiwan and the
ability to influence the island's future through coercion, an action
in direct contravention to long-standing American policy and U.S.-Sino
communiques."
Following is the text of the press release:
(begin text)
HOUSE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE
PRESS RELEASE
March 28, 2000
GILMAN PRAISES TAIWAN'S COURAGEOUS DEMOCRACY
WASHINGTON (March 28) - U.S. Rep. Benjamin A. Gilman (20th-NY),
Chairman of the House International Relations Committee, made the
following statement today during House Floor consideration of H. Con.
Res. 292, congratulating the people of Taiwan on a successful
presidential election:
I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 292 introduced
in the House by Majority Leader Dick Armey of Texas. I want to take
this opportunity to congratulate the people of Taiwan on a very
successful election and for taking another step in consolidating their
democratic evolution.
They should be very proud of their achievement, registering a voter
turnout of over 80%. They have clearly articulated their determination
to build a society of freedom and democracy. On May 20th of this year,
for the first time in Taiwan's history of over 400 years, the mantle
of executive power will pass from one democratically- elected
president to another. This should serve as a source of pride for
Chinese everywhere.
This peaceful transfer of power will take place despite the misguided
attempts by the government in Beijing to intimidate Taiwan's voters
and candidates and influence the outcome of this democratic election.
The new government of Chen Shui-Bian faces many challenges as it
ascends to office. I look forward to learning more of his vision for
his administration.
I want to commend the president-elect for his proposal of embarking on
a journey of reconciliation with Beijing and his offer to meet with
China's leaders. Talks between Taipei and Beijing should only go
forward at a pace and scope acceptable to both parties.
I want to encourage the PRC to exercise restraint; to avoid fanning
the flames of nationalism over Taiwan in an effort to divert attention
from internal problems; to open substantive dialogue with Taipei; and
to end its history of military threats toward the island.
As has been long-standing American policy, it is essential that the
future of Taiwan be determined in a peaceful, non-coercive, and
mutually-agreeable manner to the people on both sides of the Strait. I
hope the world will take adequate notice of what has just transpired
in Taiwan. That being that another Asian nation has fully embraced
democratic practices and principles.
This further proves that democracy is not an eastern or western value
as some might contend, but a universal value and the right of people
everywhere. I especially hope that the 1.2 billion people of the PRC
and their unelected government take particular notice of the
prosperous, free, and open model Taiwan provides for China's future.
With the new government comes new opportunities. Accordingly, I call
upon the Clinton administration to work productively with the new
government and treat president-elect Chen as an equal partner in
addressing cross-Strait issues.
I also urge the administration to adhere to the "Reagan Six
Assurances." As you recall, in July 1982, the Reagan Administration
wisely promised Taipei that it would not: 1) set a date for the ending
of arms sales to Taiwan; 2) consult with China on arms sales; 3) play
a mediation role between the PRC and Taiwan; 4) revise the Taiwan
Relations Act; 5) change its position regarding sovereignty over
Taiwan; or 6) exert pressure on Taipei to enter into negotiations with
Beijing.
Regrettably, the "Six Assurances" have been set aside in part, or
completely ignored, by the Clinton administration. These commonsense
guarantees are a solid basis for American Taiwan policy and should be
re-institutionalized as guideposts for the conduct of bilateral
relations with Taipei and Beijing.
I would recommended strongly that the Clinton administration take no
action to delay or undermine this year's arms sales talks with Taiwan.
The talks should be concluded as scheduled on April 24th and Taiwan's
legitimate defense needs should be met in light of China's continuing
military build-up.
Despite protestations by many to the contrary, China is in fact
precipitating an arms race in Asia and is working towards achieving
military superiority over Taiwan and the ability to influence the
island's future through coercion, an action in direct contravention to
long-standing American policy and US-Sino communiques.
You can be assured that Beijing will move at some point in the future
to test the mettle of the new Taipei government. China is biding its
time for the moment while a vote on Permanent Normal Trade Relations
hangs in the balance in the Congress.
But once that issue is addressed and the new Taiwanese administration
is inaugurated, China may opt to act militarily against Taiwan. The
misguided restricting of arms sales by the Clinton administration to
Taiwan now will only serve to increase the likelihood of Chinese
adventurism, miscalculation, and military confrontation over Taiwan's
future.
Any equivocating on this year's arms sales process will send the wrong
signal at the wrong time to both China and Taiwan. Instead of
eclipsing a crisis through strength and deterrence, the Clinton
administration may be in fact fomenting a crisis through weakness and
indecision.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be a co-sponsor of this
legislation and I want to thank the Majority Leader for his good work.
Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to strongly support this measure and
congratulate the people of Taiwan on a free and fair election. Thank
you, Mr. Speaker.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: usinfo.state.gov)



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