[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 6] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 7721] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]U.S.-TAIWAN ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES ______ HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS of florida in the house of representatives Monday, May 5, 2008 Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, for the past 60 years, the United States and Taiwan have enjoyed a unique and vital relationship. Forged during a period of mutual confrontation with communism, our ties have flourished over the years. Indeed, what began as primarily a security- focused partnership has become one based on a wide range of mutual interests. The growth of our relations was in no way a coincidence. Instead, the common values of freedom, democracy and prosperity have guided both our peoples over the years. During the past two decades in particular, America's support has helped Taiwan develop a vibrant democratic government and strong economy, which in turn have provided hope and inspiration to others in the region and around the world. Today, as Taiwan prepares for yet another milestone in its democratic progression--the inauguration of a new President later this month--I would like to recognize some of the successes we have had together under the leadership of its outgoing President, Chen Shui-bian. From President Chen's first months in office, the United States and Taiwan worked to advance its rightful role in the international community. This began with cooperative efforts to first call for and later secure Taiwan's entry into the World Trade Organization. Our governments also worked closely together during this period of increasing global health awareness and activity. Over the past several years. America has consistently pushed to have Taiwan included in international forums where it can convey lessons learned from its experience with SARS and the Avian flu. In addition, our senior diplomats--backed by strong congressional direction in 2003--have sought a meaningful role for Taiwan in the World Health Organization. Our security interests have also been closely aligned during President Chen's tenure. The tragedy that befell the United States on September 11, 2001 was met with a swift response by Taiwan, which assisted with resources for coalition efforts in Afghanistan, cooperative efforts to track and shut down terrorist financial networks, participation in our government's Container Security Initiative, and many other joint efforts. Taiwan even contributed generously to the Pentagon Memorial Fund, in recognition of those who lost their lives on 9/11. The partnership we have built with Taiwan has also served both governments well as we have been compelled to respond to hostile Chinese gestures in recent years. Perhaps the starkest example of this during President Chen's time in office occurred in December 2004, when China unveiled and subsequently enacted its Anti-Secession Law, a measure providing legal authority for the People's Liberation Army to invade Taiwan without provocation. A steady and determined response by President Chen was matched by strong statements of concern from the international community, signaling to China that hostile action would be met with strong resistance. America has also sought ways to counter a wide range of other Chinese measures that seek to isolate Taiwan: Militarily, China has noticeably increased its threat to Taiwan's security through the steady deployment of missiles targeting Taiwan, in numbers that have grown by more than 100 per year and now far exceed 1,000 in number. Diplomatically, China has attempted to block at every turn Taiwan's efforts to participate in the global community. It opposed Taiwan's recent application to join the United Nations as a full member, and has repeatedly thwarted Taiwan's attempts to join the UN and its affiliate organizations--such as the World Health Organization--even as an observer. Economically, China has sought to prevent Taiwan from expanding its role in international markets--using the dependence created by their over $80 billion in annual bilateral trade as a means to advancing unification. At the same time, it has been working to build bilateral and regional free trade agreements (FTAs) that deliberately exclude Taiwan. Politically, China's authorities refused to communicate with Taiwan's elected leadership during President Chen's tenure, despite repeated offers by him to engage in open dialogue. As evidenced by the constructive efforts cited earlier, the United States and Taiwan have worked closely to address each of these threats as they have arisen. And we will continue to do so when President Ma Ying-jeou assumes office on May 20th, building on the record of achievement that our governments have amassed in just the first years of this new century. I look forward to working with President Ma's government as we seek to further advance our common values and interests. ____________________