U.S. Senator Calls For Lifting Of All Restrictions On High-Level Visits From Taiwan Including The President

Today, Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced the “Taiwan Travel Act” – binding legislation “declaring that it should be the policy of the United States to encourage visits between the United States and Taiwan at all levels.”

The bill reads: “Since the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act, relations between the United States and Taiwan have suffered from a lack of communication due to the self-imposed restrictions that the United States maintains on high-level visits with Taiwan.” It concludes that: “the United States Government should encourage visits between the United States and Taiwan at all levels.”

Former Republican candidate for president Rubio is a long-time Taiwan supporter and member of the Senate Taiwan Caucus. The Senator introduced and passed a resolution this past spring affirming the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances as the cornerstone of U.S.-Taiwan relations. When Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen transited through Miami on her way to Panama last June, Senator Rubio came to meet with President Tsai in her Miami hotel.

FAPA President Peter Chen states: ““This is an important signal from the Senate that the present approach regarding bilateral contacts and communication is outdated, and not conducive to peace and stability in the region. If the US seeks to enhance democracy in the region, it needs to be more supportive to countries that achieved democracy.”

Peter Chen concludes: “We are talking about American soil. It should be the prerogative of the United States only to decide who can visit the Nation’s Capital, not the prerogative of the communist leaders in Beijing.”

美參議員呼籲美國應對台高層互訪(包含台灣總統)解禁

今日，參議員馬可·魯比歐(Senator Marco Rubio)在參院提出了「台灣旅行法」—一項具有約束力的立法 ，聲明「促進美國與台灣之間所有層級互訪應當成為美國政策」。

這項法案提到： 「自台灣關係法(Taiwan Relations Act)的制定以來，因為美國自身法令中對於台灣高層訪美的限制 ，台灣與美國始終缺乏有效的溝通，顯著地阻礙了台美關係的發展。 」因此，作為結論，「美國政府理應當促進美國與台灣之間所有層級 的互訪。」

魯比歐參議員不但曾參投入美共和黨總統參選人初選， 更是多年來支持著台灣的盟友，他亦是「國會台灣連線」 的成員之一。在今年春天，魯比歐參議員提出並通過了一項決議案， 確立「台灣關係法」與「六項保證」作為台美關係的基石， 將台美關係往下一個里程碑推進。 當蔡英文總統在六月前往巴拿馬時， 魯比歐更曾特意至她過境時下榻的地點—邁阿密—與她會面。

台灣人公共事務會會長陳正義強調：「這是參議院釋出的重要訊息 ，代表著對於雙邊的溝通與聯繫來說，目前的模式已經過時，且不足以繼續維持區域的和平。若美國期盼能夠在該區域深化民主，那麼他 們就應該更積極地支持已經民主化的國家。」

陳正義最後說道：「這裡是美國領土，能夠決定誰可以踏上這塊土 地、參訪其首都的，應該只有美國自身；在北京的共產領導們，不應該有置喙的餘地。」

Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore (Flickr)

The post U.S. Senator Calls For Lifting Of All Restrictions On High-Level Visits From Taiwan Including The President appeared first on Formosan Association for Public Affairs.

U.S. Representatives Call For Lifting Of All Restrictions On High-Level Visits From Taiwan Including The President

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives Steve Chabot (R-OH), Brad Sherman (D-CA) and Ted Poe (R-TX)  introduced the “Taiwan Travel Act” today. The Taiwan Travel Act legislation declares “that it should be the policy of the United States to encourage visits between the United States and Taiwan at all levels.”Chabot is a long-time Taiwan supporter, and founding co-chair of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus. Poe and Sherman are long-time members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

The binding resolution reads: “Whereas over the past decades, United States-Taiwan relations have suffered from a lack of communication due to the self-imposed restrictions that the United States maintains on high-level visits with Taiwan.” It concludes: “Whereas it should be the policy of the United States to encourage visits between the United States and Taiwan at all levels.”

Rep. Chabot has been a long-time advocate of the lifting of all restrictions on high-level visits from and to Taiwan. He often tells the story that he had received then Taipei mayor Chen Shui-bian in his Capitol Hill office, but when Chen became president of Taiwan, Chabot and two dozen of his colleagues had to shuttle back and forth from Washington DC to New York to have dinner with President Chen.

FAPA President Peter Chen states: “Taiwan and the United States are allies who share common values and interests.  Unrestricted visits will strengthen the friendship, communication, and mutual cooperation between the two democratic nations.”

Peter Chen adds: “The introduction of this resolution and timing of introduction are both significant. With the new administration in place in Taiwan the time is now for the U.S. to enable Taiwan’s president (among others) to come to Washington DC – without restrictions.”

Peter Chen continues: “Why do we let the unelected leaders of China come to DC and give them the red carpet treatment at the White House with a 21 gun salute, while we shun the democratically elected leaders of long-time ally Taiwan? This is American soil. So it should be the prerogative of the United States ONLY to decide who can visit Washington DC, not the prerogative of the communist leaders in Beijing.”

Peter Chen concludes: “These perfunctory restrictions date from the Cold War days of the seventies. The Cold War is over. And since these restrictions were self-imposed, they can also be self-lifted!”

多位美國重量級眾議員提案呼籲行政部門應對台美高層互訪（包含台灣總統）解禁

在九月15日，夏波(Rep. Steve Chabot) 以及多位眾院重量級議員(包括 Congressmen Brad Sherman and Ted Poe) 共同提出了「台灣旅行法」決議案，該法案聲明「美國政策應當促進美國與台灣之間所有層級互訪」。夏波議員是一位長期以來鼎力支持台灣的議員，同時也是美國「國會台灣連線」的共同發起人之一。

這項重要的決議案提到： 「過去幾十年來，因為美國自身法令中對於台灣高層訪美的限制，台灣與美國始終缺乏有效的溝通，顯著地阻礙了台美關係的發展。」因此，作為結論，「美國政策理應當促進美國與台灣之間所有層級的互訪。」

夏波眾議員長年以來不斷倡議美國應對台灣高層參訪解禁。他常常說起，在前總統陳水扁還是台北市長時，他尚能夠他在自己位於華府的國會辦公室接待他；但當陳水扁成為總統之後，為了與他相見，夏波及其二十幾位同仁還得大費周章地從華盛頓奔波至紐約才能與他聚上一餐。

對此，台灣人公共事務會會長陳正義強調：「台灣與美國是享有共同價值與利益的盟友。若參訪不再受限，兩個民主國家的友誼、聯繫、及互助合作的模式都將更為堅韌。」

「這項決議案的提出及提出時間點是相當有意義的。台灣的新政府已到位，現在應該是美國允許台灣的總統（及其他人）來到華府的時刻了。」陳正義如是說道。

「當中國的獨裁領袖們來到華府，走過白宮的紅毯、享受著21槍禮炮禮遇的時候，背負著台灣—美國長久以來的堅定盟友—兩千三百萬人期待的民選領袖，卻被拒絕在門外。 這裡是美國領土，能夠決定誰可以踏上這塊土地、參訪其首都的，應該只有美國自身；在北京的共產領導們，不應該有置喙的權利。」

最後，陳正義再次強調：「這些限制最早則是從70年代的冷戰時期開始的，而今，冷戰早已結束了。況且，既然這些限制是美國自己對於自己施加的，他們當然也可以被美國自我解除！」

Photo Credit: minsharaclass (Flickr)

The post U.S. Representatives Call For Lifting Of All Restrictions On High-Level Visits From Taiwan Including The President appeared first on Formosan Association for Public Affairs.

Senate Unanimously Passes Six Assurances Legislation

On July 6,  S.Con.Res.38 “Reaffirming the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances as the Cornerstone of United States-Taiwan Relations” went to the floor of the U.S. Senate for a vote and passed unanimously.  S.Con.Res.38 was introduced on May 19 by Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Cory Gardner (R-CO) and James Inhofe (R-OK.)

It concludes: “That Congress (1) affirms that the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances are both cornerstones of United States relations with Taiwan; and (2) urges the President and the Secretary of State to affirm the Six Assurances publicly, proactively, and consistently as a cornerstone of United States–Taiwan relations.”  

A similar resolution passed the House of Representatives unanimously on May 16, 2016. The resolution first lauds the swift enactment of the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) after the U.S. switched diplomatic relations from Taiwan to China on January 1, 1979: “Whereas the United States Congress acted swiftly to reaffirm the United States–Taiwan relationship with the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act (Public Law 96–8) just 100 days later, ensuring the United States maintained a robust and enduring relationship with Taiwan.”  

Three years later, when President Reagan agreed to sign the U.S.-China Third Communiqué of August 17, 1982, he was disturbed by its possible effect on Taiwan and therefore decided that Taiwan needed to be reassured that the U.S. would not abandon Taiwan.  

Enter the 1982 Six Assurances. In testimony before Congress immediately after the issuance of this U.S.-China Third Communiqué of August 17, 1982, then-Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs John H. Holdridge stated on behalf of the executive branch that—

1. “… [w]e did not agree to set a date certain for ending arms sales to Taiwan”;
2. “… [w]e see no mediation role for the United States” between Taiwan and the PRC;
3. “… [n]or will we attempt to exert pressure on Taiwan to enter into negotiations with the PRC”;
4. “… [t]here has been no change in our longstanding position on the issue of sovereignty over Taiwan”;
5. “[w]e have no plans to seek” revisions to the Taiwan Relations Act; and
6. the August 17 Communiqué “should not be read to imply that we have agreed to engage in prior consultations with Beijing on arms sales to Taiwan”;

FAPA President Peter Chen states: “Since the “Six Assurances” were a verbal pledge, this is the first time in history that they reached the floor of BOTH Houses of Congress in the form of legislation. This adds tremendous weight and momentum to the Six Assurances and further solidifies the US commitment to Taiwan.”

Peter Chen concludes: “It is our mission at FAPA and the dream of Taiwanese Americans to make sure that both the Taiwan Relations Act AND the Six Assurances are the first that come to mind when Capitol Hill in particular and the rest of the world in general think about U.S.-Taiwan relations. It is high time that the outdated and unrealistic “One China Policy” and the three U.S.-China Communiqués be relegated to the dustbin of history where they belong.”

參議院無異議通過六項保證決議案

在七月六日，美國參議院投票通過了第38號決議案(SCR38) 「重申台灣關係法及六項保證為美台關係的基石。」  

這項決議案是由參議員魯比歐(R-FL)與梅南德茲 (D-NJ) 在今年的五月19日聯合提案的, 並獲得布朗(D-OH), 賈德納(R-CO)和殷荷菲(R-OK)的共同聯署。這個決議案內容包括:「國會 (1)重申台灣關係法及六項保證是美台關係的基石，及 (2)要求總統及國務卿公開、主動、一貫的聲明六項保證為美台關係的基石。」  

在2016年五月16日眾議院也無異議的通過類似的決議案。這項決議案先贊揚美國在1979年一月1日與台灣斷交轉而與中國建交後，能夠迅速地通過1979年的台灣關係法:「因美國國會迅速的在100日之後以制定台灣關係法來重申美台關係，而確保了美國能與台灣維持一個健全及長久的關係。」  

三年後，在1982年八月17日當雷根總統答應要簽美中三公報時，他為爾後可能造成台灣的影響感到擔憂，所以決定為了不讓美國遺棄台灣，台灣也需要被美國保證。   因而有了之後1982的六項保證 在1982年八月17日發布美中三公報之後的國會聽證會上，當時負責東亞及太平洋事務的助理國務卿霍爾德里奇(John H. Holdridge) 代表行政部門表示:

1. 美國不會設下結束對台軍售的日期;
2. 不會做台灣與中國大陸的調解人;
3. 美國也不會壓迫台灣和中國大陸談判;
4. 不會改變對台灣主權的立場;
5. 不會更動《台灣關係法》的條款;
6. 而817公報不應該拿來暗示我們在做出對台軍售的決定之前同意與北京協商;

台灣人公共事務會會長陳正義說到: 「因為『六項保證』一直以來都是一個口頭保證，這是歷史上首度訴諸書面文字，成為美國參眾兩院的提案。這當然給六項保證添增了極大的能量，更堅固美國對台灣的承諾。」

陳正義最後表示: 「台灣人公共事務會的任務和台美人的夢想就是確保台灣關係法及六項保證是美國國會第一個想到的議題及其他國家都會想到美台關係。現在正是把『一中政策』以及美中公報丟棄，讓它們在歷史中隨風逝去的最佳時機。」  

Photo Credit: United States Government Work (Flickr)

The post Senate Unanimously Passes Six Assurances Legislation appeared first on Formosan Association for Public Affairs.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Passes Six Assurances Resolution

On June 23,  S.Con.Res.38 “Reaffirming the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances as the Cornerstone of United States-Taiwan Relations” was passed by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee by voice vote.

SCR38 was introduced on May 19 by Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Cory Gardner (R-CO) and James Inhofe (R-OK.) It concludes: “That Congress (1) affirms that the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances are both cornerstones of United States relations with Taiwan; and (2) urges the President and the Secretary of State to affirm the Six Assurances publicly, proactively, and consistently as a cornerstone of United States–Taiwan relations.”

A similar resolution passed the House of Representatives unanimously on May 16, 2016.

FAPA President Peter Chen states: “We at FAPA seek to make sure that both the Taiwan Relations Act AND the Six Assurances are the first that come to mind when Capitol Hill in particular and the rest of the world in general think about U.S.-Taiwan relations. It is high time that the outdated and unrealistic “One China Policy” and the three U.S.-China Communiques be relegated to the dustbin of history where they belong.”
Peter Chen adds: “Passage of the resolution is a timely gift to Taiwan’s newly elected president Tsai Ing-wen who will transit in Miami tomorrow June 24 on her way to South America.”

Peter Chen concludes: “Next step: A Senate floor vote!”

Photo Credit: United States Government Work (Flickr)

The post Senate Foreign Relations Committee Passes Six Assurances Resolution appeared first on Formosan Association for Public Affairs.

Rep. Peters Votes to Uphold US-Taiwan Relations

Washington, D.C. – On Monday, Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52) helped pass H.Con.Res.88, Reaffirming the Taiwan Relations Act, which reestablishes United States support for the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances—the cornerstone of United States relations with Taiwan.

“Today, we reaffirmed the United States’ long-standing commitment to Taiwan,” said Rep. Peters. “In the last twenty years, Taiwan has established and upheld a democracy, including presidential, legislative and local elections. It is critical we continue to support Taiwan as they pursue these and other democratic values that we in the United States hold so dear.”

Since 1979, the Taiwan Relations Act has authorized commercial and cultural relations between the United States and Taiwan, despite no diplomatic ties between the two countries, as a way to foster peace and stability in the Western Pacific. The Six Assurances refer to six points proposed by Taiwan when the United States negotiated the U.S. – China Joint Communiqué on Arms Sales to Taiwan in 1982.

Congressman Peters serves the 52nd District of California which covers much of central San Diego County including Poway, Coronado, and large portions of the City of San Diego. He is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and House Judiciary Committee. The Congressman is a former environmental attorney, City Council President, and Port Commission Chairman.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The post H.Con.Res.88 – Statement released by Congressman Scott Peters appeared first on Formosan Association for Public Affairs.

U.S. House Of Representatives Passes Six Assurances Legislation

At 4:40PM on May 16, 2016, H.Con.Res.88 “Reaffirming the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances as the Cornerstone of United States-Taiwan Relations” went to the floor of the full House of Representatives for a vote and passed.

Reps. Royce, Chabot, Engel, Ros-Lehtinen and Carter (GA) spoke in strong bi-partisan support of the resolution during the 20 minute long floor debate. (See: Attached)

HCR88 was introduced last October by former chairman of the Asian Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH). It concludes that “It is the sense of Congress that the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances together form the cornerstone of United States relations with Taiwan.”

The resolution first lauds the importance of the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act (TRA): “April 10, 2015, marked the 36th anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act (Public Law 96–8), codifying into law the basis for continued commercial, cultural, and other relations between the United States and the Taiwan.” The TRA was signed into law during the Carter administration.

However, when President Reagan agreed to sign the U.S.-China Third Communiqué of August 17, 1982, he was disturbed by its possible effect on Taiwan and therefore decided that Taiwan needed to be reassured that the U.S. would not abandon Taiwan.

Thus, before quoting all Six Assurances verbatim, the resolution reads: “Whereas in 1982 President Reagan wanted to reinforce United States support for Taiwan and therefore issued the Six Assurances.”

Before the resolution reached the floor, key members of Congress had signed onto Congressman Steve Chabot’s resolution as co-sponsors: Reps. Ed Royce, Pete Sessions, Elliot Engel, Chris Smith, Brad Sherman, Dana Rohrabacher, Michael Burgess, Garrett Graves, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Mimi Walters, Randy Weber, Rob Bishop, Matt Salmon, Michael McCaul, Paul Cook, Gerald Connolly, and Ted Yoho.

FAPA President Peter Chen states: “Since the “Six Assurances” were a verbal pledge, this is the first time in history that they reach the floor of Congress in the form of legislation. This adds tremendous weight and momentum to the Six Assurances and further solidifies the US commitment to Taiwan.”
Peter Chen concludes: “With the May 20 inauguration in Taiwan, passage of the resolution is a welcome gift to the people of Taiwan and a celebration of their continued commitment to freedom, human rights and democracy.”

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The post U.S. House Of Representatives Passes Six Assurances Legislation appeared first on Formosan Association for Public Affairs.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Unanimously Passes “Six Assurances” Legislation

On April 20, 2016 the Foreign Affairs Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives voted and unanimously passed H.Con.Res.88 “Reaffirming the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances as the Cornerstone of United States-Taiwan Relations.”

H.Con.Res.88 was introduced last October by former chairman of the Asian Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH.) It concludes that “It is the sense of Congress that the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances together form the cornerstone of United States relations with Taiwan.”  

The resolution first lauds the importance of the 1979 Taiwan Relations:“April 10, 2015, marked the 36th anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act (Public Law 96–8), codifying into law the basis for continued commercial, cultural, and other relations between the United States and the Taiwan.”

The TRA was signed into law during the Carter administration. However, when President Reagan agreed to sign the U.S.-China so-called “Third Shanghai Communiqué” of August 17, 1982, he was disturbed by its possible effect on Taiwan and therefore decided that Taiwan needed to be reassured that the U.S. would not abandon Taiwan. Enter the 1982 Six Assurances.  

Thus, before quoting all Six Assurances verbatim, the resolution reads:“Whereas in 1982 President Reagan wanted to reinforce United States support for Taiwan and therefore issued the Six Assurances.”  

FAPA President Peter Chen states: “To the United States, the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act is not just the “Law of the Land” but the main cornerstone of the U.S.-Taiwan relations. It is now critical that the Six Assurances are seen as the other integral part and cornerstone of U.S.-Taiwan relations.”

Peter Chen concludes: “With the new dawn that has broken in Taiwan this year, it is very appropriate that the foreign affairs committee has put this affirmation of the Six Assurances on the path to confirmation by the full House. Passage of the resolution is a welcome gift to the people of Taiwan and a celebration of their continued commitment to freedom, human rights and democracy.”  

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The post House Foreign Affairs Committee Unanimously Passes “Six Assurances” Legislation appeared first on Formosan Association for Public Affairs.

U.S. Congressman Introduces Legislation Affirming Six Assurances As Cornerstone Of U.S.-Taiwan Relations

On October 28^th 2015, former chairman of the Asian Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH) introduced legislation HCR-88 titled: “Reaffirming the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances as the Cornerstone of United States-Taiwan Relations.”

It concludes that “… the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances together form the cornerstone of United States relations with Taiwan.”

The resolution first lauds the importance of the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act:“April 10, 2015, marked the 36th anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act (Public Law 96–8), codifying into law the basis for continued commercial, cultural, and other relations between the United States and Taiwan.” The TRA was signed into law during the Carter administration.

美眾議員提決議案確認「六大保證」為台美關係基石

前外交事務委員會亞太事務小組委員會主席、俄亥俄州共和黨眾議員夏波（Steve Chabot），於10月28日提出名為「重新確認『台灣關係法』與『六大保證』為台美關係基石」之決議案。

該決議案總結道：「『台灣關係法』與『六大保證』共同組成台美關係之基石。」

決議案首先讚揚1979立法通過的「台灣關係法」：「2015年4月10日為「台灣關係法」（第96屆國會第8號公法）立法通過的第36年。此法將美國與台灣之間的貿易、文化，以及其他雙邊關係編簒入法。」「台灣關係法」於卡特任美國總統時簽署立法。

然而，雷根總統於1982年8月17日同意簽署所謂的美中「上海公報」時，對此公報對台灣潛在的影響甚感憂慮。因此，雷根總統決定提出「六大保證」，重新向台灣保證美國不會放棄台灣。

因此，決議案在逐字列出「六大保證」前，寫道：「雷根總統於1982年，為重新表達美國對台灣的支持，而提出『六大保證』。」

台灣人公共事務會會長高龍榮博士表示：「中國對於與美國之間的協議總是以其單方面解讀為準。他們只願提及『中美三個聯合公報』，並聲稱在『一個中國』原則之下，台灣一直都是中國的一部分。事實上，中華人民共和國從來不曾擁有台灣的主權。」

高博士總結道：「對美國來說，『台灣關係法』不只是一部國內法，更是台美關係的基石。現在，『六大保證』也應該被視為台美關係另外一個不可或缺的基石。」

Chabot

Photo Credit: April Brady/Project on Middle East Democracy (Flickr)

The post U.S. Congressman Introduces Legislation Affirming Six Assurances As Cornerstone Of U.S.-Taiwan Relations appeared first on Formosan Association for Public Affairs.

U.S. Representative Introduces “UN for Taiwan” Legislation

In light of the opening of the annual General Assembly session in New York on Tuesday, September 15, U.S. Representative Scott Garrett (R-NJ) introduced H.Con.Res.76 on September 9 concluding “That it is the sense of Congress that Taiwan and its people deserve membership in the United Nations.”

The resolution quotes from the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act stating: “Nothing in this Act may be construed as a basis for supporting the exclusion or expulsion of Taiwan from continued membership in any international financial institution or any other international organization.”

It also lauds the “close relationship that has existed for the past 50 years between the United States and Taiwan, which has been of major economic, cultural, and strategic advantage to both countries” and emphasizes Taiwan’s long time desire to join the United Nations.

FAPA President Mark Kao, Ph.D. states: “Taiwan is an independent country that fulfills all conditions for statehood:  a permanent population, a defined territory, government, and capacity to enter into relations with other states.There are no legal obstacles for Taiwan to join the UN, just one political obstacle: the People’s Republic of China. The PRC opposes Taiwan’s membership in the UN for such membership would constitute international recognition of the reality that Taiwan is an independent country. The time is now for the international community to form a coalition to jointly stand up against China and support Taiwan’s entry into the UN.”

Dr. Kao concludes:  “This coming Saturday September 12, Taiwanese Americans will gather on New York’s Times Square to rally in support of Taiwan’s membership in the UN.”

美眾議員提案支持台灣加入聯合國

為因應9月15日於紐約開幕的年度聯合國大會，紐澤西州共和黨議員蓋瑞（Scott Garrett）於眾議院提出編號H.C.R.76的法案。此法案主要內容為表達「美國國會認同台灣及其人民有權享有聯合國會員身分」的支持。

本決議案引述一九七九年台灣關係法之條文：「本法律任何條款均不得被解釋為，美國贊成把臺灣排除或驅逐出任何國際金融機構或其他國際組織。」

該決議案更進一步強調「美國與台灣過去五十年來的緊密關係，對兩國在經濟、文化及戰略方面，均有相當助益」，並強調台灣長久以來期望加入聯合國的意願。

台 灣人公共事務會會長高龍榮博士指出：「台灣是個獨立國家，符合國家需要的所有條件，包括固定的人口、既定的國界、政府，以及與其他國家發展關係的能力。台 灣加入聯合國沒有任何法律障礙，只有一項政治攔阻－中華人民共和國。中國反對台灣加入聯合國，因為若台灣成功加入聯合國，將意味著國際間認同台灣為一獨立 國家。現在便是國際社會共同反制中國，支持台灣加入聯合國的最佳時機。」

高博士總結道：「台美人將於本週六（9月12日）在紐約的時代廣場發起遊行，支持台灣加入聯合國。」

Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore (Flickr)

The post U.S. Representative Introduces “UN for Taiwan” Legislation appeared first on Formosan Association for Public Affairs.