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Mr. Speaker, I rise today because Taiwan desperately needs America's help. Throughout the 20th century, struggling democracies across this globe knew that they could always count on America for support when their freedom was threatened. At the dawn of a new century, the world must be reassured that the United States will continue to stick by their friends.
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Taiwan has a strong and vibrant economy, and in March they will hold another free and open election. I ask all my colleagues, is this not the kind of system we should be backing? Would it not be a tragedy for this light to be extinguished because America had her head stuck in the sand?
Given the volatility of the situation in the Taiwan Strait, any mixed signals by our government can easily be read by the Communist Chinese as complacency. This Congress must erase any doubt as to whether or not we are fully committed to Taiwan, and that is the purpose of this bill.
Stability of the entire Asian region is predicated on a balance of power that keeps China in check. This bill stabilizes Taiwan and the Pacific region by strengthening U.S.-Taiwanese cooperation. It also reassures Japan, South Korea, and all of our Asian allies that we will not neglect their best interest under the shadow of a rapidly growing Communist China.
Despite countless claims by supposed experts that the People's Republic is not a threat, Chinese intentions to the contrary are very clear. In fact, they have been saber rattling for years. A clear message was sent when China fired missile tests off the coast of Taiwan in 1995 and 1996. Since then a massive Chinese missile and military logistical buildup across the Taiwan Strait has served as a constant threat. Waiting for the next shoe to fall would be a very costly mistake.
Ever since the annexation of Hong Kong and Macao, consuming Taiwan has become a pressing goal for the expansionist Communist government in Beijing. To this day the PRC refuses to denounce the use of force in its quest to take back Taiwan. While visiting Washington, D.C. just 6 days ago, a PRC general asserted, and I quote, ``We will never commit ourselves to renouncing the use of force.''
During the 50th anniversary celebrations of Chinese communism, held just last October, a leading reformer in the PRC leadership warned against U.S. support of Taiwan. ``Sooner or later it will lead to an armed resolution of the question,'' he said. And this is from a so-called reformer.
Make no mistake about it, this is a gravely serious situation. Considering what is at stake, the cost of American assistance is very minimal. The Taiwanese are not asking us to send troops. They are not asking us to bomb anybody. They simply need strategic military advice, technological expertise, and access to purchase American defense systems so they can defend themselves.
Without any more hesitation, U.S. policy must support the continued vitality and security of this thriving nation. Under the TRA, the United States committed to providing defensive capability to Taiwan based on their defense needs. The need is pressing. The time to act on this promise is now.
Mr. Speaker, American prestige is on the line in the Taiwan Strait. The Taiwan Security Enhancement Act honors our commitment to stability in Taiwan by increasing cooperation between the U.S. and Taiwanese militaries. It fulfills promises this Congress has already made to Taiwan and reiterates our national agenda of seeking peace through strength.
Simply put, this Congress must support democracy in Taiwan. We must honor our commitments in the Far East. Supporting this bill accomplishes these goals.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, how much time do we have remaining?
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. HASTINGS of Washington). The gentleman from New York (Mr. GILMAN) has 2 1/2 minutes remaining.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. ARMEY), the distinguished majority leader.
Mr. ARMEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time.
Mr. Speaker, America is not just another country. We are the oldest revolutionary nation in the world and the world's oldest democracy. We have an obligation to the world, a mission, and that is to advance the cause of freedom around the world.
Mr. Speaker, I have said it before and I will say it again: no nation's people, ever, in the history of the world, have done as much as the American people have done in the cause of freedom, to sacrifice and inconvenience themselves not only for their own freedoms but, as we have seen so many times, even for the freedoms of others. This is a proud heritage we have, and it is a great responsibility we should keep.
Today we are looking at the Chinese people. Mr. Speaker, the Chinese people are a beautiful people. They are a wonderful people, and they are divided now between two different governments. One is a beautiful democracy, and the other one is not so grand. But the Chinese people, whether they live in Taiwan or on the mainland, deserve and want freedom as much as any people in the world, and we must respond to them.
This year the House will vote on two measures that will do that in the East Asia region. One is this bill, to strengthen our security relationship with democrat Taiwan. The other is a resolution, which we will vote on at our earliest possible moment, to establish permanent normal trade relations with China. Friends of Taiwan should not have fear of our greater trade with China, just as those who want more trade with China should not object to us helping Taiwan. Both measures serve exactly the same end, to advance the cause of freedom in East Asia and the Pacific and specifically on behalf of the Chinese people.
How does more trade with China help? Because aside from religious belief, trade is the single most powerful force of liberation in human history. With trade comes prosperity, and with prosperity comes wider sharing of power, a freer flow of information and the rule of law. That is happening in China today. As China becomes more integrated into the world economy, the Chinese leadership is finding it more and more difficult to stifle the aspirations of their own people.
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Just last week the Chinese Government announced a ludicrous effort to impose tight restrictions on the Internet. This is swimming against the tides, Mr. Speaker. The Internet, almost by definition, is something that defies government control. In fact, this effort is nothing but an unwitting tribute to the liberalizing power of the modern information age economy.
They cannot be part of the world economy without the Internet, but they cannot have the Internet without the free flow of ideas and information, including political ideas.
As long as we continue to expand our trade with China and bring China into the world economy, the Chinese leaders will have no choice but to allow greater freedom. Eventually the Chinese people will insist on the freedom to choose their own leaders. And when they do, they are not likely to select leaders who will make war on Taiwan or anyone else.
And how does helping Taiwan further the cause of freedom throughout the region? By strengthening our security ties with Taiwan, we make it clear that the American people will stand by Taiwan if they are attacked. That will discourage any country from doing anything foolish to jeopardize peace and prosperity in the area.
We all know that wars have often started from miscalculation. One country attacks another only after wrongly assuming that the other countries will not come to its aid. This bill will help maintain peace in the Taiwan straits by suggesting in advance that America will come to the aid of democratic Taiwan. It is entirely consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act.
Mr. Speaker, Taiwan is the first democracy in 5,000 years of Chinese history. It stands as a shining example to all the people on the mainland and elsewhere of how a country can be both rich and free. It shows how a nation can emerge from decades of dictatorial rule and create a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. If we truly love freedom, we must protect democratic Taiwan.
I ask all our Members to support both security for Taiwan and more trade with the Chinese people. Together, these policies will help make Asia and the Pacific prosperous, peaceful and, above all, free.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank our majority leader, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey), for his kind words of support.
Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my opposition to H.R. 1838, the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act. I am greatly troubled by this effort to undermine the
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I firmly believe that over time, our strategic interest is best served through increased economic ties and expanded cultural relations with China. Efforts to promote travel and tourism to China and encouraging additional Chinese students to attend our universities will significantly improve our relations with China.
However, I do not want this vote to be misinterpreted. The United States and the world community do not approve the increasingly belligerent tone of rhetoric and actions on the part of China against Taiwan. China must understand that the world community expects a peaceful resolution of the China/Taiwan issue.
Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I stand in support of H.R. 1838 the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act. I believe this bipartisan legislation will send a clear message that the U.S. will stand firm for democracy and human rights. We must support the right of the Taiwanese people to determine their future without outside military pressure.
We have good reason to be concerned about the rapid military buildup just across the Taiwan Strait. In 1995 and 1996, the Taiwanese people were making history by holding their first democratic presidential election. At the same time, the Chinese government conducted missile tests as a reminder of their true intentions. This was no coincidence. According to a recent Pentagon report, China has continued to build ballistic missiles just off the coast of Taiwan. As we approach the next presidential election this March, we must be aware of the imminent threat to the new democracy in Taiwan.
I believe this legislation would be successful in strengthening our commitment to the Taiwanese people. First, it would enhance Taiwan's self-defense capabilities. Second, this bill affirms that the status of Taiwan must have the consent of the people of Taiwan.
Our goals of securing peace and human rights in China are fully consistent with the goals of this legislation. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bipartisan legislation.
Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Taiwan for embracing democracy and striving for complete autonomy from the People's Republic of China (PRC). Taiwan has liberated itself from the oppressive Chiang Kai-shek regime only to be threatened by the current Chinese government. The PRC has a history of using coercion to get what it wants, and the recent missile tests are no different. We all know this is wrong and yet we continue a ``strategic partnership'' with this barbaric regime.
Today's resolution, H.R. 1838, the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act, antagonizes the PRC. The title of the bill is misleading. Sure, it professes the sense of Congress that we should offer them the military might of the United States, but it will not make Taiwan any more secure. It only raises tensions in the region.
To protect the free people of Taiwan and to help the process of democratization in the PRC, we need a coordinated, thoughtful, comprehensive China Policy.
This Resolution is not such a policy!
For example, China wants and needs integration into the world economy and the WTO. It needs the cooperation of the rest of the world to accomplish this goal. We need a concerted, comprehensive international effort to require that as a condition for the many objectives of the PRC, they give the world assurances of respect for international law, for the rights of the people of Taiwan, and indeed, for the rights of their own people.
Therefore, I will not support the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act.
Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act. While I support this legislation, the timing of it is no small coincidence given the fact that Congress plans to take up unprecedented trade legislation this year involving this region. Over the years, I have witnessed firsthand the casual working relationship the people in both the Peoples Republic of China and the Republic of China have shared. They each have adapted to their special circumstances with relative ease.
I have always supported Taiwan's efforts to embrace democracy and stability in the region. Furthermore, I truly believe that our efforts to engage China and to bring them to the table to work and promote trade and growth will work only to the advantage of the United States. It is with this optimism that I ask my colleagues for the continued support of the people of Taiwan while we also work this session to further strengthen our relationship with China.
There are many that consider China a constant threat in the Taiwan Straits. That said, it is my hope that any country in the world, who moves aggressively toward another would be subject to consequences. Engaging and protecting the interests of our trading partners in the Far East is the single most important thing we can do for all our trading partners there.
I remain committed to the Taiwanese people and their outlook for the future of their citizens. I also remain committed to the economic engagement of China through trade and the power of the market place.
Mr. BARR of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1838, the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act. This bill gives Taiwan at least some of the tools necessary to defend itself against possible future attacks from Communist China.
When Congress enacted the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, the intent was to ensure Taiwan's security would not be compromised, and a self-defense capability would be maintained. The Clinton administration has wrongly interpreted this act as a ``hands off'' policy and continues to ignore the growing military force and threat of the Communist Chinese Government.
The utter disregard of the Taiwan Relations Act has placed Taiwan at a clear military disadvantage vis-s-vis mainland China. Reports indicate the People's Republic of China has a 65 to 4 advantage in submarines, and a 4,500 to 400 numerical advantage in aircraft. The Department of Defense has reported that by 2005, Communist China would have the capability to attack Taiwan with air and missile strikes, destroying both key military facilities and the island's economic infrastructure.
Beijing continues to maintain a large armed forces structure, with more than 2.5 million members in the People's Liberation Army (PLA), a million in the People's Armed Police (PAP), and a reserve-militia component of well over 1.5 million personnel. Still, the Clinton administration continues to assert that Communist China is not a threat. Yet, mainland China's growing advantage in military weapons and soldiers, and its increasingly bellicose policy statements point to the undisputable fact that Communist China is a real and growing threat, and continues to focus on defeating Taiwan militarily.
The United States must act. We are the only power that can provide Taiwan with the weapons it needs to counter any future mainland Chinese aggression. We have an obligation to re-establish oversight of arms sales to Taiwan, and force the President to provide Taiwan with the weapons and military training it needs. Even though Taiwan will never be on equal footing with China in terms of numbers, we must give Taiwan the means necessary to protect itself from attack.
The Taiwan Security Enhancement Act permits the sale of satellite early warning data, missile defense systems, modern air equipment, and naval defense systems. In addition, the Secretary of Defense would be required to report on Taiwan's requests for defense and hardware needs. By passing the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act Congress will empower Taiwan with the mechanism to improve its self-defense capability and protect itself from future coercion from Communist Chinese. It is a small, but vital price to pay, not only to ensure the survival of a key and loyal ally, but our very own survival as well.
Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1838, the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act. This bipartisan legislation, which was reported out of the International Relations Committee by a vote of 32-6, reaffirms this Nation's commitment to peace through strength in the Taiwan Strait. I congratulate the House leadership for beginning the new session of Congress with the explicit message that the United States will meet its obligations under the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979.
Under the Taiwan Relations Act, this nation is committed to providing Taiwan with those defensive weapons systems necessary to protect Taiwan from any aggressive actions by Communist China. Unfortunately, by sending out mixed signals to the government of Taiwan while concurrently maintaining a policy of appeasement with the People's Republic of China, the Clinton administration has fostered the current environment of tension in the Taiwan Strait.
With this legislation, Congress is clearing up any confusion the Clinton administration has created regarding this Nation's commitment to a free and democratic Taiwan. Recently, the Pentagon reported that the People's Liberation Army of China has nearly 100 short-range ballistic missiles targeted at Taiwan. In addition to a real increased threat of Chinese cruise missiles and fighter-bombers, China's dangerous rhetoric and intimidation has led Taiwan to publicly express their concern of possible aggression in the near future. In 1996, China performed significant military operations across the strait from Taiwan and fired several ballistic missiles near Taiwan.
In addition to reconfirming this nation's military commitment to Taiwan, H.R. 1838 will
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