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Taipei, Feb. 16 (CNA) The United States will not sit idly by if Taiwan is intimidated by mainland China in the runup to the island's March 18 presidential election, former US Congressman Stephen Solarz said on Wednesday.

As Taiwan plays a critical role in the security of the Asian region, Solarz said he believes that the United States will take adequate measures to protect the security of the Taiwan Strait should Taiwan be threatened.

Solarz also expressed confidence that whoever is elected Taiwan's next president will deal with cross-strait affairs rationally. He added that after the election, both Taiwan and mainland China should rekindle efforts to build mutual trust and find a peaceful resolution to the current disputes.

Solarz, who currently serves as vice president of the International Crisis Group (ICG), made the remarks in response to reporters' questions following an hour-long meeting with Chen Shui-bian, presidential candidate of the major opposition Democratic Progressive Party.

Since Taiwan has been transformed into a democracy, the international community should respect its needs, the former US congressman said, adding that the ICG has also called on Beijing to forswear the use of military force against Taiwan.

Praising Taiwan's "economic miracle" and the forthcoming "political miracle" that will come about with the current "tremendous" election, Solarz asserted his belief that Taiwan's new president will do his best to improve cross-strait ties.

Turning to the question of whether the ICG supports Taiwan's membership of the World Trade Organization, Solarz said Taiwan should demonstrate greater willingness to resolve cross-strait problems, and added that Taiwan and mainland China should continue their contacts and dialogue as a means to mend their differences, as have the two Koreas and the former two Germanys.

The ICG is a non-governmental organization which discusses international crises. It was invited by the Republic of China government to hold its annual conference in Taipei. (By Flor Wang)