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Obama urged to reaffirm U.S. security commitment to Taiwan

ROC Central News Agency

2011/01/13 20:31:37

Washington, Jan. 13 (CNA) The four co-chairs of the U.S. Congressional Taiwan Caucus have written to President Barack Obama, urging him not to overlook Taiwan's interests in his upcoming meeting with China's President Hu Jintao.

Hu is scheduled to visit the United States next week, during which he will meet with Obama.

The four members of the House of Representatives said in their letter that if the Taiwan issue is raised in his talks with Hu, Obama should reaffirm the U.S. security commitment to Taiwan.

Obama should not hesitate to let the Chinese president know that the U.S. is obliged to sell Taiwan defensive weapons in accordance with the provisions of the Taiwan Relations Act and the "six assurances" given by the U.S. to Taiwan in 1982, according to the letter.

The Taiwan Caucus leaders -- Shelley Berkley, Phil Gingrey, Gerald Connolly and Mario Diaz-Balart -- also urged Obama to bring up issues regarding Taiwan's international space. Taiwan will benefit greatly if it can be admitted to international organizations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization, they added.

The Taiwan Relations Act is the U.S. law that regulates relations with Taiwan in the absence of formal diplomatic ties, while the "six assurances" refer to six promises the U.S. made to Taiwan during negotiations with China in 1982 for the third U.S.-China joint communique on arms sales to Taiwan.

The "six assurances" are that the United States will not set a date for termination of arms sales to Taiwan; will not alter the terms of the Taiwan Relations Act; will not consult with China in advance before making decisions about U.S. arms sales to Taiwan; will not mediate between Taiwan and China; will not formally recognize Chinese sovereignty over Taiwan; and will not alter its position that Taiwan's sovereignty should be decided peacefully by the people of Taiwan and China. (By Zep Hu and Sofia Wu) ENDITEM/J