Stand up for Taiwan

Dear Taiwanese friends, thank you for coming down here today.

Several days ago, a bi-partisan group of Senators wrote a personal letter to President Clinton. In it, we said: "We wish you well when you go to Beijing, but we ask you several things:

• First, the American commitment to sell armaments for the self-defense of Taiwan is basic to this country, and to the right of the people to defend themselves. Mr. President, make no commitment not to sell arms of self-defense to Taiwan.
• Second, it is a basic human right that people are free to travel, and that Americans have a right to hear from all foreign leaders. Mr. President, make no commitment that would restrict the right of the leaders of Taiwan to travel to the United States.
• Third, the Taiwan Relation Act remains a solid basis for the basic relations between the United States and Taiwan. Mr. Clinton, make no promise, or issue any communiqué, that would diminish the relationship between Taiwan and the U.S."

These things we ask, because Taiwan today, is an island of economic stability in all the chaos of East Asia. It is a florishing, growing, democracy in a sea of unstable governments. Taiwan today is needed in the international community, it is needed in the United Nations, it is needed in the World Bank, it is needed in the Asian Regional Development Bank.

We need Taiwan more engaged with America, not less. Mr. President, do not sacrifice the rights of the people of Taiwan in order to make an accomodation with Beijing. This we ask.

Your presence here today is so important, because it is important that the people in Beijing hear not just from the President, but also from the Congress and the American people. That you have accomplished by coming here today.

I want you to know, that no matter what is said in Beijing, no matter what is decided, this Congress, Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives, stand shoulder to shoulder with a free people on Taiwan.

Thank you all for being here today.

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Last updated on 27 June 1998