29 March 2000
Text: Lawmakers Praise Taiwan Elections in March 28 Vote
(Support for Taiwan runs deep in House of Representatives) (2410) A broad spectrum of Congress March 28 rose to support a House resolution that praised the democratic elections in Taiwan ten days earlier, and criticized Beijing for threatening to use force against Taiwan. By an overwhelming 418-1, the lawmakers passed House Concurrent Resolution 292. It was the second sweeping victory in the House for supporters of Taiwan in as many months. On February 1, the House voted 341-70 to pass the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act (H.R. 1838) which calls on the United States to "maintain the capacity to resist any form of coercion that jeopardizes the security, or the social or economic system, of the people of Taiwan." House Concurrent Resolution 292 was presented to the House by Representative Benjamin Gilman (Republican of New York), the chairman of the House International Relations Committee. He chided Beijing for threatening force and called on the Clinton Administration to adhere to former President Reagan's pledges to Taiwan. The resolution congratulates President-elect Chen Shui-bian and Vice President-elect Annette Hsiu-lien Lu, as well as Lee Teng-hui, Taiwan's current president. The resolution reiterates the Taiwan Relations Act (Public Law 96-8) that the "preservation and enhancement of the human rights of all the people on Taiwan" is a U.S. objective. The resolution, sponsored by House Majority Leader Richard Armey (Republican of Texas), the second ranking position in the House of Representatives, affirms that the "continued democratic development of Taiwan is a matter of fundamental importance to the advancement of United States interests in East Asia and is supported by the United States Congress and the American People." It garnered support from conservative and moderate Republicans such as House Majority Whip Tom DeLay (Republican of Texas), the number three position in the House Republican leadership, and Rep. Doug Bereuter (Republican of Nebraska), chairman of the House International Relations Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific. Among the resolution's supporters were Democrats ranging from Rep. Nancy Pelosi (Democrat of California) a long-time critic of China's human rights abuses, Rep. Patsy Mink (Democrat of Hawaii), who took special note of the election victory of a woman as vice president of Taiwan, and Rep. David Wu, (Democrat of Oregon), who was born in Taiwan. Only Rep. Ron Paul (Republican of Texas) voted against the resolution. Following are excerpts of the debate on the resolution from the Congressional Record: (begin excerpts) Mr. ARMEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, the House today is commemorating a very, very special event: The first democratic election leading to a transfer of power in the 5,000-year history of the Chinese people. This is, indeed, a momentous event not only for the Chinese, not only for Taiwan, but for the cause of democracy itself. It was not that long ago, Mr. Speaker, that many people believed that democracy may be a dying creed. I remember as recently as 1984, one French philosopher respected by some friends of mine wrote that the era of democracy may be, and I quote, `a brief parenthesis that is even now closing before our eyes.' There was a popular view, shared by conservative pessimists as well as left-wing revolutionaries, that some form of dictatorship was the only alternative to even worse forms of government. At best, these people believed that democracy was only appropriate for some cultures, but not for most. Though they rarely said so, what they really meant was that it was only suited for some kinds of people and not for others. Certainly, not for Asians who, it was said, had unique `Asian values.' That made democracy unsuited for them and they unsuited for democracy. Well, Mr. Speaker, how wrong they were. The Taiwan elections vindicate once again the great wisdom of the American founding fathers when they wrote these wonderful words that `All men are created equal' and all men `are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights.' Mr. Speaker, freedom and democracy are not more precious for our culture than they are for the people of other cultures. There are no alien values that lead some people to prefer dictatorship over self-government. Freedom and democracy are, in fact, the shared aspirations of all human beings everywhere, from Athens to England to America indeed to all of Asia. Taiwan can now serve as a shining example to the unfree people in its part of the world. It shows that democracy works in a Chinese culture. It shows that democracy can resist threats and bullying from abroad. It shows that democracy is the only way that a Nation can be both rich and free. Mr. Speaker, let me add that even as we rejoice in Taiwan's democratic success, we also wish to aid all the Chinese people as they seek greater freedom, and that includes those in the People's Republic of China. It is for this reason we are doing everything possible to pass Permanent Normal Trade Relations for China. We know that free and open trade will help make China an open and free society. We will pass PNTR, and we will do it this year. Mr. Speaker, the House today is pleased to offer our heartfelt congratulations to the people of Taiwan and to their new president and vice president-elect. All the world should know that the people of Taiwan and their democratic government enjoy the friendship, admiration, and support of the government of the United States. Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me the time. I rise in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 292, the resolution introduced by the distinguished majority leader, Mr. Armey, which congratulates the people of Taiwan and Taiwan's leaders for the successful conclusion of their presidential election on March 18. Indeed, this election represents, as the majority leader and the Committee on Rules chairman just indicated, the first such democratic transition to high national office, one elected leader to another, in the very long history of Chinese society. That fact bears repeating. The people of Taiwan are to be congratulated for their continuing efforts in developing and sustaining a free democratic society which respects human rights and embraces free markets. Contrary to the claims of those trying to defend Communism and other authoritarian forms of government, this election demonstrates that democracy clearly could work in the People's Republic of China, and it explains the reason why the Chinese people increasingly yearn for democracy and could flourish under it. The success of democracy in Taiwan is, indeed, a powerful model for the mainland. This resolution, which was expeditiously considered last week without opposition in the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, which this Member chairs, and subsequently in the full Committee on International Relations, also acknowledges that a stable and peaceful security environment in East Asia is essential to the furtherance of democratic developments in the Taiwan area and in other countries. It reaffirms U.S. policy regarding Taiwan as set forth in the Taiwan Relations Act. In this regard, the resolution appropriately, this Member believes, expresses the sense of Congress that the People's Republic of China should refrain from making provocative threats against Taiwan and should instead undertake steps that would lead to substantive dialogue, including a renunciation of the use of force against Taiwan, the encouragement of democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of human and religious rights in the People's Republic of China. Mr. Speaker, this Member is encouraged that since the election in Taiwan, Beijing has curtailed, to a certain degree, its aggressive and unhelpful rhetoric and appears again, to a certain degree, to be extending the offer for a renewed dialogue. It is hoped that this is an offer which is offered in, in fact, good faith. Across the Taiwan Strait, President-elect Chen and others in Taipei are also calling for renewed dialogue and are already proposing the kind of responsible statesman-like policies that could expand and accelerate this dialogue. Mr. Speaker, this is a timely, necessary, and straightforwardly positive resolution that sends an important message to both Beijing and Taipei. As a cosponsor of H. Con. Res. 292, this Member urges his colleagues to support the resolution. Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the resolution offered by the Majority Leader, Mr. Armey, and am proud to be an original cosponsor. The people of Taiwan should be commended for their brave and inspiring show of courage in support of democratic values. The people of Taiwan stood in the face of tremendous intimidation and constant threats from the tyrants in Communist China, and they refused to back down. About 80 percent of the people went to the polls to exercise the most sacred of democratic freedoms--the right of citizens to choose their own leaders. Mr. Speaker, that is the essence of democracy. Undoubtedly, this new administration in Taiwan will face many challenges. For the first time, Taiwan will experience a peaceful transition of executive power. This transition will not be easy, but the peaceful passing of power is at the core of democracy. The United States must support this transition in every way possible. This expression of freedom should not serve as a threat to Beijing, but as an inspiration. Hopefully, the day will soon come when the people of communist China, for so long fettered by the chains of communism and tyranny, will be able to determine their own destiny through free and fair elections. Until that time, it should be clear that the United States is firm in its commitment to Taiwan, and I urge the Administration to use this occasion to signal to the world that we will stand by and support our democratic allies. In the meantime, Taiwan should meet future threats by Beijing with the same strength and determination that guided this most recent election. Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 292--Congratulating the people of Taiwan on their successful presidential elections on March 18. This election serves as a testament to their continuing efforts in sustaining a free society that respects democracy and human rights. The people of Taiwan deserve our praise and support for conducting this election. They showed that true democracy can be successful even in the face of military threats by the Chinese government. This election is a reminder that the threat of a military attack will not be successful in a political system where the people can exercise the right to determine their own future. The people of Taiwan have taken great risks in sticking to their principles. The second free election in Taiwan represents a coming of age for this maturing democracy. This is the first time in 50 years that the Nationalist Party (KMT) will have to give up its political power. The peaceful transfer of power is a key turning point for every successful democracy. In particular, I would like to congratulate the new President of Taiwan, Mr. Chen Shui-bian. Mr. Chen was born in rural Taiwan about the time of the Chinese Communist Revolution. Since then, Mr. Chen has been an outspoken advocate for human rights and has served as a successful mayor of Taipei in recent years. Over the course of his campaign, Mr. Chen has shown prudence in handling the China issue. In his victory speech, he promised to continue economic relations with mainland China and seek a `permanent peace.' It is my hope that China and Taiwan will continue to negotiate their differences in a peaceful manner. I would also like to commend Vice-President elect Annette Liu who has advocated for democratic reform in Taiwan on her visits to Washington, D.C. This election proves that the Chinese people, like people all over the world, will choose freedom and democracy when given the opportunity. By contrast, the Chinese government continues to escalate the repression and human rights of its own people -- despite the thriving democracy across the strait. The Taiwan elections should serve as an example that the only real hope of eventual reunification rests in the possibility of true freedom and democracy in China. Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have this opportunity to join my colleagues in congratulating President-elect Chen Shui-bian and Vice President-elect Annette Lu of Taiwan on their impressive victory. The election results are testament to the strength of Taiwan's democracy, which has witnessed the peaceful transition of power from the Nationalist Party that ruled China for 50 years. The election results are also a testament to the courage and independence of the people of Taiwan, who refused to be intimidated by the increasingly bellicose threats from China on the eve of the election. I commend President-elect Chen Shui-bian for his constructive and positive statements on relations with China since his election. His sensitivity and statesmanship will be critical to lowering the level of tension between China and Taiwan. I am especially delighted at Vice President-elect Annette Lu's election. She will be the highest-ranking female government official in Taiwan's history! Her new position and her impressive accomplishments as an advocate for women, human rights, and democracy make her an exciting leader to watch. Mr. WU. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the people of Taiwan on the successful March 18th, 2000 presidential election. Taiwan's decades-long political transformation and the recent election are indeed great examples of Taiwan's commitment to a government of the people, by the people and for the people. As the first member of the United States Congress born in Taiwan, I observed with great interest Taiwan's extremely competitive presidential campaign. The open process is a tribute to the people of Taiwan, and to the island's real, working democratic process. Taiwan has indeed achieved democracy under adversity and joined the great democracies of the world. Once again, I would like to congratulate the people of Taiwan on their courage and commitment to forming a more democratic and complete society. In addition, I would also like to congratulate all the candidates, especially President-elect Chen Shui-bian and Vice President-elect Annette Lu, for a very open and competitive campaign. I wish the Taiwanese people well and hope to work together with all people in the region for a peaceful and prosperous future. (end text) (Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State - www.usinfo.state.gov)
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