FAPA Applauds Unanimous Passage Of Taiwan Policy Act (TPA) In House Subcommittee

Today the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific of the United States House of Representatives unanimously passed HR419, aka the Taiwan Policy Act (TPA).

The TPA was introduced on January 25, 2013 by Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and co-chairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Gerald Connolly (D-VA), John Carter (R-TX) and Albio Sires (D-NJ) “to strengthen and clarify the commercial, cultural, and other relations between the people of the United States and the people of Taiwan.”

It is a comprehensive bill that addresses over a dozen different aspects of the U.S.-Taiwan relationship, and updates the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) to reflect the new realities in this U.S.-Taiwan relationship.  The TPA builds on the TRA (which has functioned effectively as the cornerstone of US-Taiwan relations over the past three decades). It does not amend or supersede the TRA.

The TPA had been introduced during the previous 112th Congress, was passed by the House Foreign Affairs Committee but did not make it to the floor by the time Congress adjourned for the year in the fall of 2012.

During the April 25 markup hearing, the following 8 Representatives attended the hearing: Steve Chabot (R-OH), Eni Faleomavaega (D-SA), Ileana Ros Lehtinen (R-FL), Mo Brooks (R-AL), Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), Doug Collins (R-GA), Scott Perry (R-PA), Ami Bera (D-CA).

Chairman Chabot stated: “This bill strengthens the relations of our two nations.  And I want to emphasize “Two Nations” for Taiwan is a democracy, an old friend and ally, and it deserves to be treated as such by the U.S. government.” Rep. Faleomavaega said: “Reason why we pass this Act, is that we want to achieve that the leaders of Taiwan can continue to practice their democracy.”

Rep. Rohrabacher emphasized that Taiwan is a free and independent country. Rep.  Perry: “I believe we should break through the barrier of conventional wisdom in our relations with Taiwan and work towards the normalization of relations.” Rep. Ros-Lehtinen concluded: “Taiwan continues to be such an essential alley to the United States. This bill reiterates our support, and tells the Taiwanese people just how deeply we value that friendship.”

FAPA President Mark Kao, Ph.D. says: “This bill is one of the most significant pieces of legislation to address U.S.-Taiwan relations over the past decade and, if passed, will greatly bolster Taiwan’s ability to preserve its freedom of action in the international community.”

Dr. Kao concluded: “Next, the bill has to pass the House Foreign Affairs Committee, then the floor of the House to be followed by introduction in the Senate where the bill has to follow a similar path. We at FAPA will mobilize all our members all over the United States on the grassroots level to help ensure that this critically important bill becomes law at the earliest opportunity.”

台灣人公共事務會讚許美國眾議院亞太事務小組委員會無異議通過《台灣政策法》

美國眾議院亞太事務小組委員會於4月25日無異議通過編號H.R.419的《台灣政策法》（Taiwan Policy Act, TPA）。

台灣政策法於1月25日由佛州共和黨眾議員羅斯雷提能（Ileana Ros-Lehtinen）及眾院台灣連線四位共同主席：佛州共和黨議員迪亞茲巴拉特（Mario Diaz-Balart）、維州民主黨議員康納利（Gerald Connolly）、德州共和黨議員卡特（John Carter），以及紐澤西州民主黨議員席瑞斯（Albio Sires），共同提出。

該法案包括台美關係中十幾項不同的議題，並更新1979年的《台灣關係法》（Taiwan Relations Act, TRA），使其更能反映台美關係的真實現況。台灣政策法是建基於過去三十年來台美關係的重要基石─台灣關係法─上，但並未修改，也不會凌駕於其上。

台灣政策法》曾在第一百一十二屆美國國會中被提出，並通過外交事務委員會審查，但截至該屆國會於2012年秋天散會之前，該項法案並未送交眾院表決。

俄亥俄州共和黨議員夏波（Steve Chabot）、美屬薩摩亞民主黨代表法里歐馬維加（Eni Faleomavaega）、羅斯雷提能議員（Ileana Ros-Lehtinen）、阿拉巴馬州共和黨議員布魯克斯（Mo Brooks）、加州共和黨議員羅拉巴克（Dana Rohracacher）、喬治亞州共和黨議員柯林斯（Doug Collins），以及賓州共和黨議員裴瑞（Scott Perry）等八位眾議員出席4月25日的審議聽證會。

小 組委員會主席夏波議員說道：「此法案將強化我等兩國的關係，而在此我要特別強調『兩國』，因為台灣是一個民主國家及一個長期的美國盟友，而它也應該受到美 國政府如是的對待。」法里歐馬維加代表說：「我們通過這項法案的原因，是因為我們要讓台灣可以持續保有其民主。」羅拉巴克議員強調台灣是一個民主自由之 邦，而裴瑞議員則說：「我認為我們需要突破現有台美關係的框架，進而將台美關係正常化。」羅斯雷提能議員總結道：「台灣是美國重要的友邦，通過這項法案代 表著我們的支持，也向台灣人重申我們是多麼重視台美友誼。」

台灣人公共事務會會長高龍榮博士表示：「這個法案是過去十年中，關於台美關係最重要的一件法案。若此法案通過，將更加保障台灣在國際社會的自由空間。」

高博士總結道：「法案通過小組委員會後，必須通過外交事務委員會，接著由眾議院投票表決，才能送交參議院，並在參院中再經過相似的程序。台灣人公共事務會將會動員全美的會員，發揮草根力量，確保這項重要的法案盡速通過立法。」

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

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Texas Congressman Urges Obama Administration To Sell F-16s To Taiwan

In an extension of remarks, inserted into the Congressional Record on February 17, 2012, Rep. Kenny Marchant (R-TX) concluded: “It is important that this [F-16’s for Taiwan] deal not be further delayed.”

Rep. Marchant whose Dallas/Fort Worth area district neighbors the district where the Lockheed Martin plant that manufactures the F-16’s is situated, stated: “We cannot continue to delay on this issue. As the production line of F-16’s will only remain open for a limited additional amount of time.”

He concluded his remarks with “I believe that the best way forward to improving [our relations with Taiwan] and helping our North Texas economy, is to approve the sale of the F-16 C/D’s to Taiwan.”

Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX) and others have issued similar statements over the past two years in support of the sale. Additionally, in November 2009, Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) introduced House Resolution 927 encouraging the sale of American made F-16 C/D war fighters to Taiwan.

FAPA President Mark Kao, Ph.D. says: “Yes, the sale of F16’s was tabled last year, but Congress and the general public need to be reminded that the cross-Strait military imbalance has grown significantly worse due to the continued Chinese military buildup.  There is an urgent need to counteract this worrying trend.”

Dr. Kao concludes: “Moving forward with the F16s sale to Taiwan will help boost Taiwan’s dwindling air force. In addition, the sale will help save a significant number of American jobs. It is a win-win situation.”

德州眾議員呼籲歐巴馬政府軍售台灣F-16戰機

2012年2月17日，德州共和黨眾議員馬強特(Kenny Marchant (R-TX))在國會紀錄中發表的延伸發言指出：「軍售台灣F-16戰機一事，實不應再延遲。」

眾議員馬強特的達拉斯/福和市選區比鄰洛克希德製造F-16戰機的工廠。他表示：「我們不能繼續在這個議題上拖延。F-16戰機的生產線會在不久之後，面臨關閉危機。」

他於延伸發言結尾表示：「我相信，改進我們與台灣的關係及幫助我們北德州經濟的最好方式，就是通過軍售台灣F-16C/D戰機一案。」

眾議員馬強特及其他眾議員在過去的兩年，紛紛發表了支持軍售的聲明。除此之外，2009年11月，共和黨眾議員巴頓（Joe Barton (R-TX)）曾提出法案（HR927），鼓勵出售台灣美製的F-16戰機。

台灣人公共事務會會長高龍榮指出:「的確， F-16的軍售案去年被擱置，但國會及社會大眾必須被提醒，兩岸之間令人憂心的軍力失衡傾向，並沒有減緩的跡象，反而漸增。」

他最後表示:「軍售台灣F-16戰機若得以實現，將會幫助台灣日漸衰弱的空軍軍力。除此之外，軍售也會幫助美國留下更多的工作機會。這是雙贏的局面。」

SUPPORTING TAIWAN’S REQUEST FOR PURCHASE OF F 16 C/Ds — (Extensions of Remarks – February 17, 2012)

HON. KENNY MARCHANT
OF TEXAS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

• Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, as a long-time member of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus and as a Member of Congress who has frequent interaction with the Taiwanese American constituents in my district, I rise today to bring an issue to your attention, which can no longer be delayed.
• I would like to comment on how our relationship with Taiwan intermingles with the local economy of North Texas.
• Taiwan seeks to procure more than five dozen F 16 C/Ds from the United States that are proudly built in North Texas. These negotiations have been underway since 2006. It is important that this deal not be further delayed. The Administration has resisted the sale and has rather suggested selling Taiwan upgrades for its older F 16 A/Bs. I find this to be a very inadequate position that jeopardizes Taiwan’s future defensive capabilities and will result in a hit to the North Texas economy.
• Taiwan seeks the F 16 C/Ds solely for defensive purposes. This is very apparent given the increasing number of short and medium-range ballistic missiles aimed at the island by its neighbor, the People’s Republic of China. At current there are more than 1,400 missiles aimed at Taiwan from the other side of the TaiwanStrait. I am afraid that China continues to add to the number of missiles pointed at Taiwan and that this number is only expected to increase over time.
• The 1979 Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), which has been the cornerstone of United States-Taiwan relations for decades, declares that it is the policy of the United States “to consider any effort to determine the future of Taiwan by other than peaceful means, including by boycotts or embargoes, a threat to the peace and security of the Western Pacific area and of grave concern to the United States.” We need to abide by our TRA commitments and support the defensive capabilities of Taiwan .
• I would like to call attention to legislation introduced by my colleague, Congresswoman KAY GRANGER, which seeks to remedy this situation. I ask my fellow colleagues to join me in cosponsoring H.R. 2992, the Taiwan Airpower Modernization Act of 2011. Senator JOHN CORNYN has introduced a companion bill in the Senate. This bipartisan legislation will direct the President to authorize the sale of no fewer than 66 F 16 C/Ds to Taiwan . We cannot continue to delay on this issue, as the production line for F 16s will only remain open for a limited additional amount of time. Once the F 16 production line closes, then we will have missed this opportunity to increase the defensive capabilities of Taiwan and provide a significant economic boost to the North Texas economy.
• I will continue to work towards increasing our already strong relations with the people of Taiwan . I believe that the best way forward for improving these relations and helping our North Texas economy is to approve the sale of the F 16 C/Ds to Taiwan .

Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons

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FAPA Applaud U.S. Arms Sale

The Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA), a Washington-based grassroots organization representing Taiwanese-Americans, today applauded President Obama’s decision to approve a package of arms sales including Patriot PAC-3 missiles and Black Hawk helicopters.

“The move represents a major step to help a free and democratic Taiwan defend itself against a repressive and authoritarian China” stated FAPA President Bob Yang.  “As citizens of the United States  we feel strongly about our country of origin, and are pleased that the Obama administration is now taking steps to help strengthen Taiwan in the face of existential threats by its neighbor China”, he said.

He added: “This decision is in full compliance with the Taiwan Relations Act passed by Congress in 1979, which stipulates US’ commitments to help defend Taiwan by providing arms and by maintaining US capacity in the region to resist any resort to force.” 

He also urged the US administration to move forward with other defensive items, such as F-16s and submarines.  “These are urgently required to redress the tilting balance in the Taiwan Strait, where China has aggressively built up its naval and air capabilities,” he said.

Professor Yang also referred to recent polls in Taiwan which show that the large majority of Taiwanese do want to maintain their freedom and democracy, and do not want to be absorbed by China, economically or politically.  He said: “This arms sale will give the people of Taiwan the confidence that they are supported by the United States and do not have to face an aggressive China by themselves.”

Referring to President Obama’s State of the Union Address statement that “America must always stand on the side of freedom and human dignity, always”

Professor Yang concluded: “The people of Taiwan have fought long and hard to achieve freedom and democracy in their country.  Preservation of Taiwan’s freedom, democracy and independence is essential for peace, security and stability in the Western Pacific, and therefore of strategic importance to us in the United States.”

Photo Credit: SSGT SUZANNE M. JENKINS, USAF (Wikimedia Commons)

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Senior House Members Introduce Legislation Re. Arms Sales For Taiwan – Resolution Seeks to Reinvigorate Congressional Oversight on Defense Consultation

In an attempt to pressure the Obama administration to expedite a decision on F-16C/Ds sale and notify Congress of the remainder of the defense services and articles for Taiwan that were approved by the Bush administration, ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), along with Taiwan caucus co-chairs, Reps. Shelley Berkley (D-NV), Phil Gingrey (R-GA) and Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL), and Reps. Ed Royce (R-CA), Mike Ross (D-AK), Dan Burton (R-IN) and Walter Minnick (D-ID) introduced H.R. 4102 this afternoon, requiring the administration to provide detailed briefings to Congress on U.S. arms sale to Taiwan.

The bill, if passed, would “mandate briefings no later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and at least annually thereafter, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall provide detailed briefings to Congress on (1) any discussions conducted between any executive branch agency and the Government of Taiwan; (2) any potential transfer of defense articles or defense services to the Government of Taiwan.”

FAPA President Bob Yang says, “The introduction of the resolution today is most timely as Taiwan supporters are disturbed by President Obama’s statements in China in regards to Taiwan. President Obama’s omission of the Taiwan Relations Act while stating that the U.S. respects China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity through the three joint communiqués is likely to embolden China to press even harder her spurious claim over Taiwan. Such statements seriously undermine U.S. legitimacy to continue providing defense articles and services to Taiwan as codified in the Taiwan Relations Act (Public Law 96-8) and compromise the strategic interests of not only Taiwan but also of the U.S. in the region.”

Yang continues, “For the past few years, members of Congress have been expressing strong concern about the stalemate in U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. Their repeated appeals to the administration went unheeded. Annual briefings, as mandated by this bill, will reassert Congress’ prerogative to co-determine with the President the nature and the quantity of the defense articles and services for Taiwan, as stated in Section 3(b) of the Taiwan Relations Act.”

美資深眾議員提出對台軍售法案，重拾美國國會軍售諮商監督權

為了施壓歐巴馬政府儘快就出售台灣F-16一事作出決定，以及儘快通知美國國國會數項布希政府已通過的相關軍售，眾議院外交委員會副主席蘿斯列敦娜(Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-FL)與台灣連線三位共同主席柏克莉(Shelley Berkley, D-NV)、金格瑞(Phil Gingrey, R-GA)、迪亞斯巴拉特(Lincoln Diaz-Balart, R-FL)，以及眾議員羅依斯(Ed Royce, R-CA)、羅斯(Mike Ross, D-AK)、柏頓(Dan Burton, R-IN)與明尼克(Walt Minnick, D-ID)，特於今日下午提出第4102號議案，要求行政部門向國會詳細報告對台軍售事宜。

此項法案如果正式通過，將要求美國國務卿與國防部長相磋商，在法案通過90天之內，以及往後每年向國會就台灣政府與行政部門之間的討論，以及未來可能的對台軍售進行詳細簡報。

FAPA會長楊英育表示：「這項法案在今天正式提出，是再適當也不過的時機，因為許多台灣支持者對歐巴馬總統在中國發表的聲明感到不安。歐巴馬總統在美中共同聲明中提及美國透過三項公報尊重中國的主權與領土完整，卻未提及台灣關係法，將有可能導致中國得寸進尺，強化中國擁有台灣主權的荒謬立場。這樣的聲明嚴重損及台灣關係法裡美國有權提供台灣防衛武器的正當性，更影響到台灣與美國在當地的戰略利益。蘿斯列敦娜議員今天提出的法案與與她去年第6646號議案相類似。我們尤其支持她今年這項法案中提到行政部門對台軍售的國會簡報必須年年實行。」

楊英育接著表示：「過去幾年來，部份國會議員多次強烈關切美國對台軍售一再遭到擱置。他們的關心與訴求很可惜的並未受到行政部門的採納。正因如此，今天這項法案裡特別制訂年度簡報的要求，這正是美國國會意欲重拾主導權，以符合台灣關係法第三條(b)項條文規定，由行政部門與國會共同決定對台軍售的質與量。」

Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons

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House Taiwan Caucus Urges President To Move Forward With Arms Sales To Taiwan – Calls Arms Freeze Violation Of Spirit Of TRA

In a letter dated July 31, 2008, co-chairs of the House Congressional Taiwan Caucus Reps. Shelley Berkley (D-NV) and Steve Chabot (R-OH) together with 23 other Members of the House of Representatives urged President Bush to move forward with arms sales to Taiwan in light of recent reports in the press that the Administration is putting a freeze on US arms sales to Taiwan.

The Representatives write: “Recently, we have been aware of a possible freeze on all foreign military sales to Taiwan. We believe that a freeze on foreign military sales to Taiwan violates the spirit of the Taiwan Relations Act.”

They continue: “The military and strategic imperatives for Taiwan are real and urgent, and if we fail to show the necessary resolve it would mean missing a significant opportunity to improve cross-strait peace and security – a vital U.S. interest.”

They conclude: “In our view, a secure and prosperous Taiwan requires the means to provide for its own self defense and the ability to engage its neighbors without fear of military intimidation. Taiwan’s ability to maintain its defense rests heavily upon its ability to acquire defense articles that are capable of deterring aggressive neighbors. […] Taiwan has a right to be “secure,” and that can only be guaranteed by an unambiguous and non-negotiable commitment from the United States to provide Taiwan with weapons systems consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act.”

FAPA President Bob Yang, PH.D. says: “The 1979 U.S. Taiwan Relations Act, which is the “Law of the Land” clearly stipulates that “It is the policy of the United States to provide Taiwan with arms of a defensive character.” Therefore, any such Arms Freeze is a clear violation of the Law and needs to be lifted immediately.”

On June 30, a similar letter was sent to President Bush by 14 Senators.

台灣連線呼籲布希總統勿違背台灣關係法精神，儘快解涷對台軍售

二十三位美國眾議員在台灣連線主席柏克麗與夏波領銜之下，於今日共同聯署致函白宮，呼籲布希總統儘快批准數項遭擱置的對台軍售案。

議員們在這封跨黨派的信函裡表示：「近日來，我們得知對台軍售似乎暫時停擺。我們認為涷結對台軍售有反台灣關係法的精神。」

議員們繼續表示：「台灣面臨著急迫的軍事與戰略需要，如果我們無法展現必要的決心，我們將喪失符合美國重大利益，改善兩岸和平與安全的大好機會。」

「我們認為，一個安全與繁榮的台灣需要有提供自我防衛的能力，並能夠在沒有外來武力恐嚇情況下與鄰國交往。而台灣維持自我防衛的能力端視它是否有能力取得得已嚇阻有野心鄰國的防衛性武器。……. 台灣有獲得『安全』的權利，這個權利完全仰賴著美國亳不模糊、不討價還價的承諾，提供台灣在符合台灣關係法下的相關武器系統。」

FAPA會長楊英育表示：「具有權威法律效力的台灣關係法清楚地陳述著『提供台灣防衛性的武器是美國政策』。很明顯的，涷結對台軍售違反這項法律，任何涷結應該立即中止。」

Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons

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22 Taiwanese American Organizations Urge President Bush To Lift Taiwan Arms Freeze

In letter to President George Bush dated July 28, 2008, the leaders of 22 Taiwanese Americans urge President Bush, on the eve of his departure to Beijing where Bush will attend the Olympic Games, to reaffirm U.S. commitment to Taiwan and -specifically- to lift the Taiwan Arms Freeze.

The organizations write: “We appeal to you to reaffirm America’s support for a free and democratic Taiwan.  Specifically, we urge you to unfreeze the $11 billion worth of arms sales to Taiwan, including the sixty-six advanced F-16 fighter jets.”

They continue: “As you travel to China, the world’s largest communist country ruled by unelected dictators, we implore you to not forget the island nation of Taiwan, situated barely a hundred miles off Chinese shores.  It is a free and democratic country, and one you recently praised as “a beacon of democracy to Asia and the world,” and in 2001 you pledged “whatever it took” to help her defend herself.”

They conclude: “The TRA and President Reagan’s Six Assurances also make it clear that the nature and quantity of arms sold are based solely upon the needs of Taiwan and without prior consultation with China.  In fact, you have long ago approved the sale of most of the items in the $11 billion package.  Therefore we urge you to unfreeze these sales immediately.”

FAPA President Bob Yang , Ph.D. states: “Selling the arms package to Taiwan is not only in Taiwan’s interest, it is clearly in the United States interest. According to sources, the mere sale of F-16s to Taiwan, would bring 40,000 man-years of additional employment to North Central Texas – especially Fort Worth. Arms sales to Taiwan should not be based on the politics of the day. Therefore, time to lift the freeze is now!”

台美社團領袖呼籲布希總統儘快解除對台軍售涷結

22位台美社團領袖於7月28日布希總統即將啓程前往北京參加奧運之際，聯署致函布希總統，呼籲行政部門重申美國對台安全保證，並儘快中止任何對台軍售涷結。

聯署信函表示：「我們籲請您重申美國對自由民主台灣的堅持。我們尤其在此呼籲您解涷高達 一百一十億美元的對台灣軍售，包括六十六架F-16戰鬥機。」「當您前往中國，這個由非民主領導人所統治的全球最大的共產國家的同時，我們希望您不要忘記台灣這個距離中國不到一百海哩的小島國。台灣是一個自由民主的國家，您還曾讚揚台灣是亞洲與全球民主的燈塔，您並在2001年表示會竭盡所能協助台灣自我防衛。」

「台灣關係法與雷根總統六項保證很明白地規定對台軍售的本質與數量只能視台灣需求而定，並且不能與中國事先協商。事實上，您許久以前就已經批准這一百一十億美元裡的多項武器項目。我們在此呼籲您儘快中止任何對台軍售涷結。」

FAPA會長楊英育表示：「對台軍售不僅是為了台灣的利益，更是為了美國的利益。根據消息報導，光光台灣如成功購買，就可替北中德州地區帶來一年四萬個工作機會。出售先進性武器給台灣不應與政治考量掛鈎，我們希望所有對台軍售能夠持續進行。」

Letter to President Bush

President George W. Bush
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

Dear President Bush:

On the eve of your trip to Beijing to attend the Olympic Games, we, the undersigned representatives of Taiwanese-American and allied organizations, appeal to you to reaffirm America’s support for a free and democratic Taiwan.  Specifically, we urge you to unfreeze the $11 billion worth of arms sales to Taiwan, including the sixty-six advanced F-16 fighter jets.

As you travel to China, the world’s largest communist country ruled by unelected dictators, we implore you to not forget the island nation of Taiwan, situated barely a hundred miles off Chinese shores.  It is a free and democratic country, and one you recently praised as “a beacon of democracy to Asia and the world,” and in 2001 you pledged “whatever it took” to help her defend herself.

As you partake in the Olympics festivities put on by y our Chinese hosts, we ask you to recall that, in your second inaugural address, you told the nation that “The survival of liberty in our land increasingly depends on the success of liberty in other lands.”  The success of liberty is not to be found in China where you are visiting.  Rather it has been achieved in Taiwan across that narrow strait.  For America’s sake, please help Taiwan safeguard her liberty.

In 2005, China passed the so-called Anti-secession Law threatening the use of force against Taiwan at the slightest provocation.  Your own Department of Defense reported earlier this year that China had targeted no less than 1,070 short-range ballistic missiles at Taiwan.  “It is increasing the size of this force at a rate of more than 100 missiles per year,” the report noted.  Based on land area, this would be equivalent to aiming 292,000 missiles at the U.S. and adding 27,000 more each year.  The real and grave threat to Taiwan requires that Taiwan possess a credible national defense.

The Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) stipulates that the “United States will make available to Taiwan such defense articles and defense services in such quantity as may be necessary to enable Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability.”  The TRA and President Reagan’s Six Assurances also make it clear that the nature and quantity of arms sold are based solely upon the needs of Taiwan and without prior consultation with China.  In fact, you have long ago approved the sale of most of the items in the $11 billion package.  Therefore we urge you to unfreeze these sales immediately.

Thank you for your attention.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely yours,

Fred Baehner, President, American Taiwan Society

Jack Chen, President, Austin Institute for Taiwan Studies

Adam Huang, President, Chhong-Bi Memorial Fund

Kang-Hou Wang, President, Dr. Kang-Lu Wang Memorial Foundation

Terri Giles, Executive Director, Formosa Foundation

Pearl Ta ng, President, Formosan Association for Human Rights

Bob I. Yang, President, Formosan Association for Public Affairs

Mary Helen Cruz, President, Friends of Taiwan, Inc.

Je-Chin Han, President, North America Taiwa nese Professors’ Association

Sue Lee, President, North Amer ica Taiwanese Women’s Association

Jung Tsai, President, North American Taiwanese Medical Association

Ben Pin-Shuo Liu, President, Professor Chen Wen-chen Memorial Foundation

Josephine Pan, President, Taiwan Elite Alliance

David Lai, President, Taiwan Hakka Association for Public Affairs in North America

Ma-chi Chen, President, Taiwanese American Federation of Northern California

Ron Shieh, President, Taiwanese Association of America

Tzuhui Chen, Spokesperson, Taiwanese Collegian

Fred H. Wang, President, Taiwanese Hakka Association of America

Peter N.P. Lo, President, Taiwanese Hakka Association of the World

Susan Chang, President, World Federation of Taiwanese Associations

C.K. Kuo, Coordinator, World Taiwanese Congress

James S. Chen, Chairman, World United Formosans for Independence-U.S.A.

Photo Credit: White House photo by Eric Draper

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