Taiwan High-level Visits Resolution Introduced In The Senate

On Tuesday, October 2^nd 2007, the two co-chairs of the Senate Taiwan Caucus introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution S.Con.Res.48, calling on the Bush Administration to allow high level visits and contacts between the United States and the democratically-elected officials of Taiwan.

The resolution is the Senate equivalent of House Resolution HCR-136, which passed the House by a unanimous vote on July 30^th 2007.  It argues that the present guidelines for contacts with Taiwan are outdated, because Taiwan has since then gone through a momentous transition to democracy.

The present DPP government represents a democratic Taiwan, as opposed to the old Kuomintang regime, which maintained until 1991 that it represented China.  This new situation on the ground calls for a new and fresh approach, which supports democracy in the region.

The resolution states that lifting these restrictions will help bring a friend and ally of the United States out of its isolation, which will be beneficial to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

It also states that — in consideration of the major economic, security, and political interests shared by the United States and Taiwan — it is to the benefit of the United States for United States officials to meet and communicate directly with the democratically-elected officials of Taiwan, including the President of Taiwan.

The resolution also argues that — since the Taiwan Strait is one of the world’s flashpoints in the world — it is essential that United States policymakers directly communicate with the leaders of Taiwan.

FAPA President C.T. Lee commented on the introduction: “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is an important signal from the Senate that the present approach regarding bilateral contacts and communication is outdated, and not conducive to peace and stability in the region.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 wants to enhance democracy in the region, it needs to be more supportive to countries that achieved democracy.  It is peculiar that the Bush Administration urges China to talk directly to the elected government in Taiwan, but itself still clings to guidelines dating back to the 1970s.”

Photo Credit: United States Government Work (Flickr)

The post Taiwan High-level Visits Resolution Introduced In The Senate appeared first on Formosan Association for Public Affairs.

House Passes High-Level Visits Resolution In Wake Of Hsieh Visit

A few days after Frank Hsieh, former Premier of Taiwan and the Democratic Progressive Party’s candidate for the March 2008 Presidential elections visited Capitol Hill, the House of Representatives today passed H.Con.Res.136. This marks the first time such resolution is passed in the whole house despite several similar attempts that took place in the past.

The resolution, introduced on May 1 by Taiwan Caucus co-chairs Reps. Steve Chabot (R-OH) and Shelley Berkley (D-NV)  and co-sponsored by close to 50 Members of Congress, calls for the complete removal of all restrictions imposed on visits by Taiwan’s highest-level government officials to the U.S, including the President.

During a Congressional reception held last week welcoming Mr. Hsieh and which was well attended by almost 30 Members of Congress, many Representatives voiced their strong support for the resolution and urged the administration to abolish all restrictions on the visits.

Lantos’ Republican counterpart on the committee, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, said there is a “broad bipartisan coalition” in Congress in favor of high-level visits. “It should not, however, only be former Premiers from Taiwan who lead delegations to Washington, DC. It should be sitting Premiers and other high-level Taiwan government officials.”, stated the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Cuban-born Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen at the reception.

“I hope that Frank Hsieh can travel to the United States at any time under all circumstances, if he is elected,” Rep. Robert Andrews (D-NJ), one of the strongest voices on behalf of Taiwan in the United States Congress, said, verbalizing the sentiments of other Representatives present.

During debate on the House floor today, Rep. Steve Pearce (R-NM) stated: “One of the most insensitive and insensible things we can do” is not to welcome Taiwan’s elected leaders to Washington DC.

FAPA President C.T. Lee states: “It is an utter irony that last week Frank Hsieh was being feted by Members of Congress on Capitol Hill, but if and when elected as the next president of Taiwan next March, he is no longer allowed to set foot on the soil of Washington DC!”

“It was encouraging to hear several House members, including the two most important leaders on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, conclude that the hi-level restrictions ought to be scrapped as soon as possible.”

“The high-level visits issue is FAPA’s number one campaign during this 110th Congress. For the past few months, we have mobilized all of our 56 chapters urging them to contact their Members of Congress. Why? Because welcoming Taiwanese democratically-elected leaders’ visits to the Nation’s Capital reinforces the American principle of promoting freedom and democracy worldwide.”

After passage today, the resolution is forwarded to the Senate.

謝長廷甫結束美國之旅，眾議院迅即無異議通過台灣高層訪美決議案

在前行政院長，也是民進黨總統候選人謝長廷參訪美國國會後不到一個禮拜，美國眾議院隨即於今日無異議通過第136號台灣高層訪美決議案。雖然類似的決議案在過去幾屆國會裡曾由一些友台議員提出，卻未有任何進展；美國國會今天首次於全院通過類似的決議案，可稱史無前例的重大性突破。

第136號決議案於今年5月1日由台灣連線共同主席夏波(Steve Chabot, R-OH)與博克莉(Shelley  Berkley, D-NV)聯合提出，並獲得近50位議員的聯署，決議案旨在呼籲廢除美國政府長期以來加諸於台灣官員，包括民選總統訪美的眾多限制。預計決議案於今日通過後，將轉交參議院。

在上週三美國國會歡迎謝前院長的酒會裡，許多議員們紛紛致詞表達對這個決議案的支持，並高分貝地呼籲行政部門解除對台官員的訪美限制。外交事務委員會的副主席蘿斯列支娜(Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-FL) 便在酒會裡表示美國國會對這項議題的支持是廣泛、橫跨黨派的；出生於古巴的她並在致詞中表示，「不應該只有前行政院長才能率團訪問華府，台灣的現任行政院長與其他高層官員也應該能率團到華府才是。」

另一位長期支持台灣的安德魯斯眾議員(Robert Andrews, D-NJ)表示：「我希望謝長廷先生，如果當選，能夠在任何時候、任何情況下訪問美國。」

美國新墨西哥州議員皮爾斯(Steve Pearce, R-NM)今日在議場上特地發言嘲諷目前現有的不合理政策，他表示：「我們美國能做到最麻木與最沒同情心的舉動之一就是拒絕台灣民選總統訪問華府。」

FAPA會長李青泰表示：「謝長廷先生上週才在美國國會受到議員們的歡迎，如果他在明年三月勝選台灣總統，卻反而從此受限不能踏上華府一步，這是極大的諷刺。」

李青泰繼續表示：「謝長廷前院長的華府之行，突顯出這些限制的不合理，加深許多美國國會議員對解除台灣訪美限制的意願，包括眾議員外交事務委員會正副主席雙雙聯袂呼籲行政部門儘快廢除這些限制。」

「推動台灣高層官員自由訪美是FAPA在這屆國會的首要工作重點。過去幾個月來，FAPA全美56個分會積極聯絡各選區議員，爭取他們的支持。原因無他，就在於我們深信台灣民選總統能夠訪問美國首府僅僅是在反映美國提倡全球民主與自由的基本原則。」

Photo Credit: MiNe (Wikimedia Commons)

The post House Passes High-Level Visits Resolution In Wake Of Hsieh Visit appeared first on Formosan Association for Public Affairs.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Passes Resolution, Supporting Visits By Taiwan’s President To U.S. Anytime, Anywhere

In an unprecedented move, and with unanimous consent, the House Foreign Affairs Committee today passed the H.Con.Res.136 led by Rep. Steve Chabot, calling for the lifting of all restrictions imposed on the visits by the Taiwanese highest-level government officials to the U.S, including the President. It marked the first time the House Foreign Affairs Committee marked up and passed the resolution after similar resolutions were introduced during the past two Congresses.

It is worth noting that both the Chairman and the Ranking Member of the Committee Reps. Tom Lantos and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen co-sponsored the resolution, indicating the importance and the strong level of support the Committee placed on this resolution. The resolution has 33 co-sponsors.

The resolution concludes that: “restrictions on visits by high-level elected and appointed officials of Taiwan to the United States, including the democratically elected president of Taiwan, should be lifted. And the U.S. should allow direct high-level exchanges at the Cabinet level with the Government of Taiwan.”  The resolution has 33 co-sponsors.

Today’s effort to support Taiwan in the Congress follows the House passage last week of the amendment halting all government funding used to impose restrictions on exchanges between two governments. Unlike the amendment that touches upon restrictions on various exchanges between the two government, HCR 136 focuses only and mainly on the visits by the Taiwanese President and high-level government officials to the U.S.

FAPA president C.T. Lee, MD states: “The mark up of the resolution today is major landmark in the campaign to lift all restrictions on high-level visits from Taiwan and provides great encouragement to the government and the people of Taiwan in less than a week. It will lend further credence to the prevalent belief in Congress that Taiwan is a strong U.S. democratic ally and deserves to be treated as one. The time is now that the United States treats Taiwan like the fellow and friendly democracy it is.”

美眾議院外交事務委員會無異議通過決議案，歡迎台灣高層官員，包括台灣總統，隨時隨地自由訪問美國

美國眾議院外交事務委員會於今日無異議通過由夏波議員領銜的第136號決議案，呼籲廢除美國政府長期以來加諸於台灣官員訪美的眾多限制。

類似的決議案曾在前兩期的國會由夏波與布朗議員聯手提出，不過，這是外交事務委員會首次通過這項決議案，意義格外重大。此外，三十三位聯署議員中，委員會的正副主席－藍托斯與蘿斯列敦娜兩位重量級議員特地雙雙聯署此決議案，充份展現出外交委員會對這項議題的高度重視與支持。

決議案表示：「所有加諸於台灣高層官員訪美的限制，包括民選總統都應一併解除；美國應該允許部長級的台美高層政府官員直接交流。」決議案並要求美國政府確切遵守1994年生效的美國「移民與國籍技術修正法」，此法案第221條款強調台灣總統與高層官員應獲准訪開美國。此外，為了強調台美兩國最高層級雙方政府直接對話的重要性與必須性，決議案表示：「台灣海峽是全世界公認的(軍事)衝突點之一，美國政策決策者直接與台灣政府對話是必要的。」

這是美國國會繼上週眾議院通過聯邦撥款法案修正案，要求國務院解除數十年來對台灣的各項台美交流外交禁令後，再次展現對台灣的支持。有別於上週通過的撥款法案修正條款，觸及多項台美雙方互動，今天的第136號決議案專門著重在台灣高層訪美一事。

FAPA會長李青泰表示：「眾議院外交事務委員會今日通過第136號議案，對解除台灣高層訪美限制有著突破性的進展，也是美國國會於不到一週內，第二度給予台灣人民與政府最大的鼓勵，證明美國國會廣泛地認同台灣不僅是美國堅定的民主盟友，也該是時候給予民主的台灣應得到的尊重與肯定。」

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

The post House Foreign Affairs Committee Passes Resolution, Supporting Visits By Taiwan’s President To U.S. Anytime, Anywhere appeared first on Formosan Association for Public Affairs.

16 Representatives Call For Lifting Of All Restrictions On High-Level Visits From Taiwan

In a move to show solidarity with Taiwan, 16 Representatives today jointly introduced bi-partisan resolution H.Con.Res.136 calling for the complete removal of all restrictions on visits by Taiwanese high-level officials to the United States. This issue was raised by Rep. Steve Chabot, the co-chair of the Taiwan, to Mr. Negroponte in today’s hearing on China in the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

The resolution concludes that: “All restrictions on visits by high-level elected and appointed officials of Taiwan to the United States, including the democratically elected president of Taiwan, should be lifted.”

The sixteen members that introduced the resolution are Reps. Steve Chabot (R-OH), Shelley Berkley (D-NV), Pete Sessions (R-TX), Tom Tancredo (R-CO), Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI), Allen Boyd (D-FL), Scott Garrett (R-NJ), Robert Andrews (D-NJ), Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), Sam Graves (R-MO), Jean Schmidt (R-OH), Dan Burton (R-IN), Mike McNulty (D-NY), Madeleine Bordallo (D-GU), Trent Franks (R-AZ) and Edolphus Towns (D-NY).

The resolution calls on the administration to comply with its obligations under the Immigration and Nationality Technical Corrections Act of 1994 in which the President or any other high-level officials of Taiwan shall be admitted to visit the United States. In addition, the resolution notes that, “Since the Taiwan Strait is one of the flashpoints in the world, it is essential that United States policymakers directly communicate with the leaders of Taiwan”, illustrating the importance and the necessity of having direct dialogue between two governments.

FAPA president C.T. Lee, MD states: “The introduction of this resolution is significant. 16 bi-partisan Members’ co-introducing the resolution demonstrates these Members’ willingness to take concrete action and to present a unified commitment in supporting Taiwan’s democracy.”

Lee adds: “It is rather ironic for the United States to praise Taiwan for its democracy, but then turn around and impose restrictions on direct meetings between Taiwan’s elected leaders and US officials. Supporting democracy should not be a mere phrase for politicians to use whenever convenient. We are talking about American soil here. So it should be the prerogative of the United States to decide who can visit the Nation’s Capital, not the prerogative of the communist leaders in Beijing.”

16位眾議員聯合提出決議案，支持台灣總統等高層官員自由訪美

為了展現對台灣民主的一致支持，16位美國聯邦眾議員於今日聯合提出第136號決議案，建議美國政府全面取消對台灣高層官員，包括台灣民選總統在內各種訪問美國的種種不合理限制。台灣連線主席眾議員夏波(Rep. Steve Chabot, R-OH)也特地在今日眾議院外交事務委員會的中國聽證會上表達對這個議題的看法。

這16位聯署的議員分別為：Reps. Steve Chabot (R-OH), Shelley Berkley (D-NV), Pete Sessions (R-TX), Tom Tancredo (R-CO), Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI), Allen Boyd (D-FL), Scott Garrett (R-NJ), Robert Andrews (D-NJ), Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), Sam Graves (R-MO), Jean Schmidt (R-OH), Dan Burton (R-IN), Mike McNulty (D-NY), Madeleine Bordallo (D-GU), Trent Franks (R-AZ) and Edolphus Towns (D-NY).

136號決議案表示：「所有加諸於台灣高層官員訪美的限制，包括民選總統都應一併解除。」決議案並要求美國政府確切遵守1994年生效的美國「移民與國籍技術修正法」，此法案第221條款強調台灣總統與高層官員應獲准訪開美國。此外，為了強調台美兩國最高層級雙方政府直接對話的重要性與必須性，決議案表示：「台灣海峽是全世界公認的(軍事)衝突點之一，美國政策決策者直接與台灣政府對話是必要的。」

FAPA會長李青泰指出：「今天這16個議員聯合提出支持台灣的決議案，可謂意義相當重大。這16位横跨民主、共和兩黨的議員，以實際行動展現他們一致對台灣民主的支持。」

李青泰接著表示：「美國一方面讚揚台灣的民主進展，一方面卻就台灣高層官員訪美做諸多限制，似乎相當諷刺與矛盾。支持台灣不應只是一句供政客方便使用的口號。這是美國的土地，應該由美國自己決定誰能夠參訪美國，而不是北京的共產政權。」

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The post 16 Representatives Call For Lifting Of All Restrictions On High-Level Visits From Taiwan appeared first on Formosan Association for Public Affairs.

On Occasion Of President Chen’s Transit, 15 U.S. Reps Call For Lifting Of All Restrictions On High-Level Visits

Less than a week into the new 110th Congress, Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) along with 14 other Members of Congress co-signed a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), urging her to join the campaign to remove all restrictions on high-level visits between Taiwan and the United States. Rep. Rohrabacher sent the letter out on January 12.

The members grabbed the opportunity of President Chen’s transit through San Francisco (hometown of Speaker Pelosi) and Los Angeles (hometown of Rep. Rohrabacher) to highlight this unreasonable aspect of U.S. foreign policy.

The Representatives write: “Our self-imposed restrictions are out of concern that Beijing will take retaliation measures if we would allow such a visit. In other words, we are letting the Chinese determine this aspect of our foreign policy.”

They continue: “As recently as last April, we did roll out the red carpet for the unelected Communist leader of Beijing to the White House. We believe that if the U.S. is to be truly evenhanded in its treatment of both sides of the Taiwan Strait, then the opportunity to dialogue with democratic leaders from Taiwan should be just as important as discussions with Chinese leaders.”

Members noted that inviting the President of Taiwan to visit Washington gives Taiwan the respect and recognition it deserves as a shining beacon of democracy in Asia. Furthermore, hearing directly from Taiwanese highest-level government officials would ensure the American administration, Congress and public a balanced viewpoint on the region where American troops are on the frontline defending the U.S. national strategic interests.

FAPA President CT Lee says: “The high-level visits issue is an issue that many Members of Congress dearly care about and which receives overwhelming and bi-partisan support on Capitol Hill. It is also FAPA’s foremost issue on Capitol Hill for this new 110th Congress. It is encouraging that during this busiest time of the new Congress, Taiwan interests are already on the radar screen of Congress!”

美15位眾議員藉陳總統過境之際，呼籲全面解除台美高層互訪限制

在美國國會開議不到一周內，美眾議院已發起了支持台灣的行動。由美眾議院台灣連線主席羅拉巴克(Dana Rohrabacher, R-CA)領銜，聯合了14位其他台灣連線成員，於今晚(12日)共同致函眾議院議長斐洛西(Nancy Pelosi, D-CA)，籲請她一起支持全面解除台美高層互訪限制這個議題。

議員們主要是藉由陳總統此次過境舊金山與洛杉磯為由(加上斐洛西議長湊巧來自舊金山，羅克巴克來自洛杉磯) ，喚起各界對於這個不合理的外交政策的重視。參與聯署信函的議員包括，羅拉巴克、台灣連線另一位共同主席夏波Steve Chabot(R-OH)、Dan Burton(R-IN)、Shelley Berkley(D-NV)、Allen Boyd(D-FL)、John Culberson(R-TX)、Lincoln Diaz-Balart(R-FL)、Scott Garrett(R-NJ)、Elton Gallegly(R-CA)、Ralph Hall(R-TX)、Thaddeus McCotter(R-MI)、Mark Souder(R-IN)、以及一向友好的唐克多Tom Tancredo (R-CO)、Edolphus Towns(D-NY)、與台灣出生的吳掁偉David Wu (D-OR)。

議員們在信裡表示：「(美國)這個自我劃限的政策是因為我們擔憂一旦允許台美高層互訪，北京政府會採取相對性的報復措施。換言之，我們任由中國來決定美國在這方面的外交政策。我們相信，哪一位外國元首能夠參訪華府，並與國會及行政部會首長直接進行對話應該是我們的專屬權利。」議員們繼續表示：「去年四月，我們甚至以紅地毯歡迎北京非民選的共產政權領導人到白宮參訪。如果美國真的是公平對待海峽兩岸，那麼與民選的台灣總統對話應該跟與中國領導人對話一樣重要。」

議員在信中提到，邀請台灣總統訪問華府是給予身為亞洲民主典範的台灣應有的尊重與認可。不僅如此，直接聽取台灣最高階政府官員的意見將確保美國行政部門、國會與民眾能夠獲得平衡而且不偏頗的觀點，尤其是當我們有軍隊駐紮在當地區域，捍衛美國的國家戰略利益。

FAPA會長李青泰表示：「台美高層互訪一直是美國國會跨黨派，全面性支持的台灣議題之一；也是FAPA在新一期國會中最重要的工作重點之一。我們歡迎台灣連線成員發起這封信函，讓斐洛西議長知道她眾多同僚們對這個議題的重視，並邀請她一起加入這個行列。新國會開始通常也是國會最忙碌的時候，我們很高興看到台灣的權益已經馬上受到美國國會的關心。」

Photo Credit: david3108 (Flickr)

The post On Occasion Of President Chen’s Transit, 15 U.S. Reps Call For Lifting Of All Restrictions On High-Level Visits appeared first on Formosan Association for Public Affairs.

U.S. Representatives Urge Secretary Rice To Communicate Directly With Taiwan President 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Co-chairs of the Taiwan Congressional Caucus, Congressmen Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) today sent a letter to US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, urging her to be more supportive of Taiwan’s fragile democracy by communicating directly with Taiwan’s democratically-elected leadership.

Congressmen Rohrabacher and Brown urged the Secretary to invite President Chen to stop over in New York on his way back from Paraguay and Costa Rica, where he will attend the inauguration of president-elect Oscar Arias. The Congressmen stated that such a stopover “… would enable members of Congress to travel to New York to meet with the President, providing them an important opportunity to discuss recent developments in Taiwan and in the Taiwan Strait.”

The Congressmen also urged Secretary Rice to communicate directly with President Chen about Taiwan’s role in promoting democracy around the world.

The Congressmen emphasized that the US needs to do a better job in nurturing and protecting Taiwan’s democracy, stating that Taiwan made its transition to democracy only 15 years ago, and that present fragile democracy was threatened from three sides: 1) China’s military threats, 2) Taiwan’s internal divisions, primarily due to the fact that the loyalties of the old Kuomintang are more with China than with Taiwan itself, and 3) the lack of international support for Taiwan’s democracy.

FAPA President C.T. Lee states: “It is time that the U.S. lifts all restrictions on hi-level visits from Taiwan. That way, there would be no need for complex and lengthy negotiations about where and when President Chen would transit in the U.S. We are encouraged by repeated calls by Members of Congress in favor of lifting such restrictions, as is shown by the introduction in Congress last month of a resolution which concludes that [all restrictions on visits to the United States by high-level elected and appointed officials of Taiwan, including the democratically-elected President of Taiwan, should be lifted].”

美國會議員呼籲萊斯國務卿直接與台灣總統對話

台灣連線共同主席布朗(Sherrod Brown, D-OH)與羅拉巴克(Dana Rohrabacher, R-CA)於今日聯合致函美國國務卿萊斯女士，呼籲她與台灣的民選總統直接對話，以展現美國對台灣新興民主的支持。布朗議員目前正在角逐俄亥俄州的參議員席次。

羅拉巴克與布朗議員們在信中呼籲萊斯國務卿邀請陳總統自巴拉圭及哥斯大黎加返台時，能夠在紐約順道過境。議員們表示，陳總統的過境將提供議員們一個絕佳機會，與陳總統面對面探討台灣現況以及兩岸情勢。

議員們在信中強調，由於台灣近年來才成功轉型為民主國家，民主制度仍舊相當脆弱。目前台灣民主更面臨著來自三方面的威脅，額外需要美國的支持與保護。這三方面的威脅為：第一、中國的軍事威脅；第二、台灣內部分化：主要是因為泛藍舊勢力心向中國；第三、欠缺國際社會對台灣民主的支持。

FAPA會長李青泰表示：「從這次陳總統過境事件的複雜程度來看，更突顯出美方有必要一併解除所有對台灣高層官員訪美的限制。只有這樣一勞永逸的做法，才可以徹底省去每一次台美雙方為了談判過境細節所耗費的時間、人力與精力。我們非常感謝美國國會們一再以具體行動表示對這項議題的支持。例如上個月中國領導人胡錦濤訪問華府前夕，議員們特地提出第381號決議案，呼籲台灣高層官員，包括民選總統，訪問美國的限制應該完全解除，以展現他們對台灣的支持。」

李青泰最後表示：「美國一再表示支持全球民主的發展，但是對於台灣的民主制度，美國卻一直僅只於口頭上的讚揚；連最基本的過境要求，目前看來都一波三折。環顧全球局勢，許多國家仍然處於極權專治統之下，一些新興國家的民主制度則在搖搖欲墜當中，美國應該格外珍惜台灣民主的成功典範；我們希望美國不是在過境一事上，刻意刁難台灣，因為這樣的做法將立下惡例，不是一個身為泱泱大國、自由世界領袖應有的舉動。」

Photo Credit: Marc Nozell (Flickr)

The post U.S. Representatives Urge Secretary Rice To Communicate Directly With Taiwan President appeared first on Formosan Association for Public Affairs.

Taiwan Caucus Co-Chairs Call For Lifting Of All Restrictions On Taiwan High-Level Visits In Light Of Upcoming Hu Jin Tao Visit To Washington, D.C.

On April 6, co-chairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus Steve Chabot (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) introduced H.Con.Res.381. The resolution concludes that: “all restrictions on visits by high-level elected and appointed officials of Taiwan to the United States, including the democratically elected president of Taiwan, should be lifted.”

And “the United States should encourage direct high-level exchanges at the Cabinet-level, in order to strengthen a policy dialogue with Taiwan’s government.”

Rep. Chabot has previously expressed concern about the self-imposed State Department guidelines not allowing Taiwan officials from coming to Washington. On April 21, 2004, he stated in a Congressional hearing: “I had lunch in the Capitol a few weeks ago with former Legislative Yuan member Mark Chen (Chen Tan-san). Now that Mr. Chen is foreign minister he can no longer come to our Capital on an official visit. Frankly I think that that policy is kind of silly.”

During the visit of President Lee Teng-hui to Washington, DC in October 2005, over a dozen Members of Congress urged the Bush Administration to not only welcome former President Lee to DC but to also let current President Chen Shui-bian come to the Nation’s Capital and meet with him.

FAPA president C.T. Lee, MD states: “The timing of the introduction of this resolution is very significant. With the upcoming visit of China’s unelected President Hu Jintao to the White House, the CTC co-chairs are sending a crystal clear signal to President Bush that the democratically elected President of Taiwan should be welcomed to DC as well.”

He adds: “The present policy dates back to the 1970s, when Taiwan was still under authoritarian rule. It is rather peculiar for the United States to praise Taiwan for its democracy, but then turn around and impose restrictions on direct meetings between the elected leadership in Taiwan and US officials.” 

Lee concludes: “The Taiwan Strait is generally considered one of the five flashpoints in the world.  It is thus essential for US leaders to communicate directly with Taiwan’s democratically-elected government and not just with the authoritarian regime in Beijing.  We should not let the Chinese determine who can come to DC or not. What it comes down to is that we let the Chinese determine this important part of our foreign policy.”

胡錦濤訪美之際，台灣連線引進決議案，支持台灣總統等高層官員自由訪美

由於中國領導人胡錦濤即將於二週後訪問美國首府華盛頓，台灣連線的共同主席夏波議員(Steve Chabot, R- OH)和布朗議員(Sherrod Brown, D-OH)特地趕在國會即將展開為期二週的春季休會前夕，於昨日(6日)聯手提出第381號決議案，建議美國完全取消對於台灣高層官員，包括代表台灣人民的民選總統在內，各種訪美的不合理限制。

決議案也表示：「美國應該鼓勵台美兩國內閣層級官員的交流，以加強與台灣政府在政策方面的對話。」

夏波議員對於台灣高層官員不能踏上華府一步這個政策，有著切身的感受。他曾經在二年前的一場國會聽證會上，引用前外交部長（現任總統府秘書長）陳唐山為例；他在當時表示：「幾個禮拜前，我有機會在國會山莊裡與陳唐山先生共進午餐，當時他是台灣的立法委員；現在他身為台灣的外交部長，卻無法再到國會進行官方的正式拜會。坦白說，我認為這個政策很愚蠢。」

此外，前總統李登輝於去年十月訪問華府時，受到二十多位議員在國會山莊的歡迎；與會的議員們均不約而同表示，美國不僅應該歡迎卸任的台灣總統到訪，他們更希望看到現任的陳水扁總統能夠有朝一日參訪美國首府。

FAPA會長李青泰指出：「兩位議員們特地選在這個時候提出第381決議案，是希望行政部門能夠體認到，當中國（非民選）總統即將造訪白宮之際，由台灣人民透過民主程序選出來的總統卻被迫不能踏上華府一步，是一大諷刺。」

FAPA會長李青泰接著表示：「美國政府取消對台灣高層官員訪美的限制，不僅能展現美國對民主台灣的支持，更重要的是，我們認為此舉將協助維護美國本身在東亞的權益。因為，台灣海峽為公認的五大軍事衝突點之一，美國與其盟友在當地有著重大的戰略安全利益，與台灣總統等高層官員能夠直接、不受限制地交換意見，其實是有助於美國政界領袖就台海議題得到第一手來自台灣的消息，以獲得兩方平衡的意見。」

李青泰最後表示：「現有的限制，不僅加深美台兩國溝通的鴻溝，也否定了台灣對民主的努力以及對民選總統所應得到的尊敬。限制台灣高層官員訪美，根本是美國深怕惹惱中國，這樣卻造成了一個假象，好像中國有權替美國決定誰能踏上美國的土地，誰又不能。這不應該是美國的外交政策吧。」

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

The post Taiwan Caucus Co-Chairs Call For Lifting Of All Restrictions On Taiwan High-Level Visits In Light Of Upcoming Hu Jin Tao Visit To Washington, D.C. appeared first on Formosan Association for Public Affairs.

U.S. Representative Introduces Legislation Calling For U.S.-Taiwan High-Level Military Exchange/Urging Taiwan To Decide Future Through Referendum

One week after the Pentagon released its annual assessment report on China’s military power, Congressman Robert Andrews (D-NJ) introduced a resolution (H.Con.Res. 219) in the evening of July 27 calling for the enhancement of Taiwan’s security by upgrading U.S.-Taiwan high-level military visits and supporting a referendum as the ultimate mechanism to determine Taiwan’s future.

The resolution concludes that:

(3) the President should abolish all restrictions on visits by United States military high-level officials to Taiwan to help safeguard United States security interests in the region; and (5) the future of Taiwan should be determined free from coercion by the People’s Republic of China, peacefully, and with the express consent of the people of Taiwan through a democratic mechanism such as a referendum.

The resolution also makes references to the Taiwan Relations Act and to the recently published DOD report: Whereas in a July 19, 2005 report, the Department of Defense stated that ‘‘[t]he cross-Strait balance of power is shifting towards Beijing . . . Chinese air, naval and missile force modernization is increasing demands on Taiwan to develop countermeasures that would enable it to avoid being quickly overwhelmed.’’

Finally, the resolution calls upon the president to authorize the sale of Aegis to Taiwan: “for (4) the President should authorize the sale of the Aegis system to Taiwan, which would enable Taiwan to defend itself against the threat of a missile attack by the People’s Republic of China.”

FAPA President Ming-chi Wu states: “The serious lack of direct communication between senior military officials in Taiwan and the U.S. needs to be addressed immediately. This is not only in Taiwan’s interest but also in U.S. interest, because the current restrictions pose a great danger to the American soldiers who would put their lives on the line if and when a conflict arises in the Taiwan Strait. Should the U.S. need to intervene in a Taiwan Strait crisis, an effective contingency plan requires smooth and seamless coordination between the Taiwanese and U.S. military. The introduction of this resolution by Rep. Andrews is therefore timely and necessary.”

Wu concludes: “Rep. Andrews was one of the 36 Members of Congress who signed an open letter to the people of Taiwan during the March 2004 presidential elections in which the Members of Congress concluded: “You have earned the right to hold exclusive responsibility for determining the future of Taiwan and to exercise democratic processes. This includes holding referenda free from intimidation or threat of force from any country including communist China.” It is encouraging to see that he has now decided to put this concept into legislation.”

美眾議員提出決議案，呼籲台美高層軍事交流，支持公民投票決定台灣前途

在美國國防部公佈中國軍力年度報告近十天之後，台灣連線成員之一的眾議員安德魯斯(Robert Andrews, D-NJ)特於27日晚間提出第 219 號決議案(H.Con.Res.219)，呼籲加強台灣安全，提昇台美軍事高層官員互訪、交流，並支持公民投票為決定台灣前途的唯一依歸。

安德魯斯議員的第219號決議案引述了台灣關係法部份條文，以及美國國防部日前公佈的中國軍力年度報告，以突顯出台海地區的和平與穩定受到中國的挑戰。決議案表示：台海的權力平衡正在向北京傾斜…..中國的空、海與飛彈軍力現代化，迫使台灣必需發展因應措施的需求增加，以防止被中國快速擊潰。決議案也表示：由於美國政府劃地自限的限制，美國將領無法參訪台灣，與台灣軍官定期見面；缺乏台美高層軍事交流，將會導致屆時美軍介入台海爭端時，美軍緊急因應措施效率大受影響。

決議案最後建議：（美國）總統應該全面解除美國高層軍事人員訪台的限制，以協助確保美國在當地的區域利益；總統應該授權出售神盾級驅逐艦，使台灣得以抵抗中華人民共和國的飛彈威脅。決議案最後並支持台灣前途和平解決，透過如公民投票等民主程序，獲得台灣人民的同意。

FAPA會長吳明基表示：「台美之間軍事交流嚴重短缺的這個問題一定要立即解決。這不僅符合台灣的利益，也符合美國的利益。如果美國必須介入台海危機，一個有效的緊急應變措施，勢必需要台美兩國軍隊的合作無間。但是，現存台美高層軍事官員互訪的限制，屆時只會對美國子弟兵的生命造成威脅。這是美國國會首次在決議案中公開呼籲美國總統全面解除台美高層軍事官員互訪的限制。」

吳明基繼續表示：「此外，這個決議案也再度重申美國國會支持台灣人民行使公民投票的權利。今年三月中旬，逾三十位眾議員曾公開致函台灣人民，鼓勵他們參與台灣史上首次公民投票的舉行；安德魯斯議員便是三十多位議員之一。」

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The post U.S. Representative Introduces Legislation Calling For U.S.-Taiwan High-Level Military Exchange/Urging Taiwan To Decide Future Through Referendum appeared first on Formosan Association for Public Affairs.

House Subcommittee Passes Amendment In Support Of Hi-Level Visits

The House International Relations Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations today passed an amendment to support high-level visits from Taiwan’s elected leaders during a markup hearing on the Foreign Relations Authorization Act for 2006 and 2007.

The non-binding sense of Congress amendment reads, “it is in the national interests of the United States to communicate directly with democratically elected and appointed officials of Taiwan, including the President of Taiwan, the Vice-President of Taiwan, the Foreign Minister of Taiwan, and the Defense Minister of Taiwan.”

The amendment continues, “the Department of State should, in accordance with Public Law 103–416, admit such high level officials of Taiwan to the United States to discuss issues of mutual concern with United States officials.”

FAPA President Ming-chi Wu Ph.D. says: “It is good to see that this issue remains on the radar of Members of Congress. Members of Congress tell us that they deem it a blatant outrage that Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Mark Chen who still has a house in Springfield, Virginia could travel back and forth when he was a member of the legislative yuan, but the moment he became foreign minister, he could not longer go home.”

Wu continues: “President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas is currently visiting Washington. And Yasser Arafat visited the White House. Many authoritarian leaders from around the world have visited the United States to exchange ideas with the President and opinions leaders without any restrictions. So, extra reason why the United States should welcome to Washington DC Taiwan’s democratically leaders in order to exchange first-hand opinions and ideas with them on important issues such as the stability across the Taiwan Strait. This will enhance stability in the region, and thus protect US. interests. Most importantly, as the world’s champion of liberty and democracy, the U.S. must treat a fellow democracy with respect and dignity.”

眾議院國際關係委員會全球人權小組通過修正條款，支持台灣高層訪美限制解除

眾議院國際關係委員會非洲、全球人權與國際運作小組於今日通過一國務院授權法案修正條款，支持台灣民選領導人自由參訪美國，不受限制。

雖然這個條款沒有法律效力，但是其象徵意義非同小可。條款表示：「與台灣民選與指派領袖直接對話，包括台灣總統，副總統，外交部長與國防部長，是美國的國家利益。國務院應該遵循美國第103-416號法律，允許台灣高階官員訪問美國，與美國官員商討攸關兩國關心的事宜。」

FAPA會長吳明基表示：「台灣高層官員訪美限制的全面解除，一直在美國國會引起相當大的共鳴。舉例來說，美國議員尤其不能理解，現在台灣的外交部長，也是曾任FAPA會長的陳唐山部長過去在擔任立法委員時，不定期返回他在華府近郊，久居長達三十年的老家；但是在他升任為台灣外交部長的那一刻，他就再也無法踏上華府的土地，回華府的老家探望。」

吳明基繼續表示：「巴勒斯坦總統阿巴斯此刻正在華府訪問，已過逝的巴解組織領導人阿拉法特生前也曾造訪白宮；世界上許多獨裁政權的領導人都能夠自由來去美國，並與美國總統以及國會意見領袖直接對話。台灣總統是由台灣二千三百萬人民，透過自由、民主程序選舉而產生，美國政府理當尊重台灣的民選領袖，歡迎他們造訪華府，就台海問題等重大的議題，直接與台灣政府交換意見。這樣，不僅能確保美國的東亞利益，也才是身為全球民主自由捍衛者所應有的泱泱典範。」

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The post House Subcommittee Passes Amendment In Support Of High-Level Visits appeared first on Formosan Association for Public Affairs.

Representatives Introduce Resolution Calling For Lifting Of All Restrictions On Taiwan High-Level Visits

On July 23, co-chairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus Steve Chabot (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) introduced a resolution (HCR481) calling for the complete lifting of all restrictions on high-level visits from Taiwan. The resolution concludes: “That it is the sense of the Congress that the United States should lift all restrictions on visits by high level officials of Taiwan to the United States.”

And “it is in the national interests of the United States to communicate directly with democratically elected and appointed officials of Taiwan, including the democratically elected president of Taiwan.”

On April 21, Rep. Chabot stated in a Congressional hearing: “I had lunch in the Capitol a few weeks ago with Mr. Mark Chen, then a legislator. Today Mr. Chen is Taiwan’s new foreign minister […] and can no longer come to our Capitol on an official visit. Frankly I think that that policy is kind of silly.”

On July 15, ranking member of the House International Relations Committee, Rep. Tom Lantos (D-CA), echoed that sentiment when he stated: “Mr. Speaker, it was a great pleasure for me to host Taiwan’s Vice President, Annette Lu, during a recent visit to San Francisco. It is my fondest hope that Congress will have the honor of greeting both President Chen and Vice President Lu in Washington in the foreseeable future.”

Despite this, the United States continues to cling to its long-held policy prohibiting high ranking Taiwan leaders -including the president- from visiting Washington DC. Not only does this policy widen the communication gap between Taiwan and the United States, but it denies Taiwan’s democratically elected officials the respect they deserve.

FAPA president Ming-chi Wu states: “We ask that the U.S. lift all restrictions on high-level visits by officials from Taiwan, so that a balanced understanding of both sides of the Taiwan Strait will be directly available to Congress, the Administration and the American public. And on a more personal level: we Taiwanese Americans want to see our democratically elected president Chen Shui-bian be treated and greeted with the respect his office deserves. Other non-elected leaders from around the world visit the White House. It is only fair that the same honor and recognition gets bestowed upon President Chen.”

美國會休會前夕引進決議案，再度要求取消台灣高層訪美限制

在美國國會暑期休會前夕，兩位台灣連線的共同主席夏波議員(Steve Chabot-R, OH)和布朗議員(Sherrod Brown –D-OH)聯手提出第481號決議案─要求美國完全取消台灣高層官員訪問的不合理限制。這是繼上週四眾院以壓倒性票數通過第462號決議案，指出美台雙方高層互訪不違一中政策後，此一議題再度在國會被提案，認為美國應該對鬆綁對台灣高層訪美的限制。

在決議案中指出：台灣身為美國對外貿易第七大國家，在亞洲經濟扮演舉足輕重的角色；台灣順應民主潮流，發展政治政黨制度，有最公平和自由的選舉，舉行過三次由台灣人民直選的總統選舉。但是由兩千兩百萬人民選出的台灣總統陳水扁，卻長期受限無法和美國的官員見面或討論有關共同關切問題或雙方國家利益。

夏波議員曾在4月21日的國會聽證會中表示：「幾個禮拜前，我有機會在國會與陳唐山先生共進午餐，當時他是台灣的立法委員；現在他已經是台灣的外交部長，卻無法再到國會進行官方的正式拜會。坦白說，我認為這個政策實在很糊塗。」

7月15日，民主黨資深議員藍托斯也為此一限制請命，他說：「最近我很榮幸的在舊金山招待過境來訪的台灣副總統呂秀蓮女士，事實上，我最大的期望是不久的未來，美國國會能夠在華盛頓首都歡迎台灣的陳、呂總統兩人。」

除此之外，美國緊抓著長期且不合時宜的政策，限制著台灣高層官員的訪問─尤其是到華盛頓首都，這不僅加深美國和台灣兩國溝通的鴻溝，並且也間接否定了台灣對民主的努力或對民選總統所應得的尊敬。

FAPA會長吳明基指出：我們長期要求美國政府取消對台灣高層官員訪美的限制，就是希望美國政會、國會和一般大眾，對台灣海峽的問題有直接和平衡的瞭解。此外，我們在美國台美人，也希望經由民主競爭過程和人民直接選舉出來的台灣總統，能夠受到他應該要有的尊嚴和禮遇，就如同美國對待其他的國家領袖一般。我們不是要有差別待遇，我們的要求是非常公平和自然的，這也是陳水扁總統理所當然應得到的。

Photo Credit: Marc Nozell (Flickr)

The post Representatives Introduce Resolution Calling For Lifting Of All Restrictions On Taiwan High-Level Visits appeared first on Formosan Association for Public Affairs.