FAPA Applauds Unanimous Passage Of Taiwan Policy Act In House Foreign Affairs Committee

On August 1, 2013 the Foreign Affairs Committee 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.”

The TPA was then passed unanimously on April 25 2013 by the House Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific.

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 the 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, and was subsequently passed by the House Foreign Affairs Committee, but had not made it to the floor by the time Congress adjourned for the year in the fall of 2012.

At the hearing, Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) lauded the close U.S.-Taiwan relationship and emphasized the Free Trade Agreement provision in the bill.

Introducer of the bill, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) said: “Taiwan is an important friend and ally of the United States, and should be treated as such.”

Taiwan Caucus co-chair Gerry Connolly (D-VA) emphasized that “The U.S. needs to be clear in the actions it takes in Taiwan’s defense, and make it known that the future of Taiwan needs to be resolved peacefully.”

Rep. Matt Salmon (R-AZ) who was a missionary in the Taiwan in the mid-seventies said that, after Israel, he considered Taiwan the strongest ally of the US and that “Taiwan is such a strong democracy that the U.S. should preserve such a strong ally.”

Asian Subcommittee Chairman Steve Chabot (R-OH) repeated his plea that the “Chen Shui-bian issue will be resolved soon.”

FAPA President Mark Kao, Ph.D. says: “With the ever-expanding territorial ambitions of China, the U.S.-Taiwan alliance becomes more and more important. The TPA addresses that concern. Overall, the TPA is one of the most significant Taiwan bills over the past decades and, if enacted into law, will greatly bolster Taiwan’s ability to preserve its freedom and independence.”

Dr. Kao concludes: “The next hurdle for the bill is passage on 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 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外交事務委員會無異議通過「台灣政策法」

美國眾議院外交事務委員會於8月1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。

台灣政策法於4月25日經眾議院亞太事務小組委員會無異議通過。

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112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。

聽證會中，外交事務委員會主席、加州共和黨眾議員羅伊斯（Ed Royce）讚揚台灣與美國深厚的關係，並強調了TPA中關於自由貿易協定的部分。

TPA提案人、佛州共和黨眾議員羅斯雷提能（Illeana Ros-Lehtinen）表示：「台灣是美國重要的盟友，也應該被如是對待。」

眾院台灣連線共同主席、維州民主黨眾議員康納利（Gerry Connolly）強調：「美國必須對台灣的防禦有明確的作為，並清楚表達台灣的未來必須要和平解決。」

70年代中期，曾以傳教士身分赴台的亞歷桑納州共和黨眾議員邵建隆（Matt Salmon）表示他認為台灣是美國僅次於以色列的盟友。邵建隆並說：「台灣是一個民主國家，而美國必須要持續維護這樣一個盟友。」

亞太事務小組委員會主席，俄亥俄州共和黨眾議員夏波（Steven Chabot）則再次重申他的請求：「讓陳水扁總統的議題早日獲得解決。」

台灣人公共事務會會長高龍榮博士表示：「當中國區域擴張的野心日益加遽時，台美的盟友關係就更為重要，而台灣政策法非常強調台美關係。整體而言，台灣政策法是過去十年中最重要的台灣法案。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：「下一個挑戰是要讓台灣政策法通過眾議院院會表決，然後送到參議院提案，並通過相似的流程。台灣人公共事務會將動員全美會員，務必確保此一重要法案盡早完成立法。」

Photo Credit: CSUF Photos (Flickr)

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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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Members Of Congress Commemorate 33^rd Anniversary Of The Taiwan Relations Act

In anticipation of the 33^rd anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), United States Congressmen Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Edolphus Towns (D-NY) last week inserted remarks into the Congressional Record to commemorate the law’s enactment on April 10, 1979, and to underscore the centrality of the TRA in the longstanding strategic partnership between the U.S. and Taiwan.

Reps. McCaul and Towns issued statements on March 29 and March 30, respectively, each citing the TRA as an enduring model of congressional leadership in U.S. foreign policy.

Rep. McCaul said that the TRA, together with the 1982 ‘Six Assurances,’ remains “the cornerstone of a very mutually beneficial relationship between the United States and Taiwan,” He pointed out that: “Through three decades marked by momentous social, economic, and political transformations, Taiwan has remained a trusted ally of the United States that now shares with us the ideals of freedom, democracy and self-determination.”

Highlighting the “ominous shadow” of 1400 Chinese missiles under which Taiwan practices its democracy, Rep. Towns emphasized: “The TRA affirmed that the United States’ decision to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China was based on the expectation that the future of Taiwan would be determined by peaceful means.”

FAPA President Mark Kao, Ph.D. welcomes the congressional comments, saying:  “The Taiwan Relations Act, along with the President Reagan’s Six Assurances a few years later, has for over 30 years enabled the U.S. to cultivate its strategic relationship with Taiwan and to demonstrate our support for Taiwanese people’s right to self-determination.”

Dr. Kao continues: “However, the manner in which the TRA has been implemented in recent years does not adequately reflect the remarkable political transformation that Taiwan has undergone, or the exponentially increased level of military aggression demonstrated by the People ‘s Republic of China since 1979.”

Dr. Kao concludes:  “We therefore welcome the introduction by Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) of the Taiwan Policy Act (H.R. 2918).  This bill will strengthen and upgrade our U.S. policy within the TRA framework by ensuring that the Six Assurances continues to be a core component of the U.S.-Taiwan relationship, and reaffirming the principle that the future of Taiwan must be determined with the assent of the people of Taiwan.”

The Taiwan Policy Act was passed by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs in November 2011. It is expected to go to the House floor for a vote in the near future.

眾議員紀念台灣關係法立法33週年

時值台灣關係法(Taiwan Relations Act)頒布33週年前夕，美國國會德州共和黨眾議員麥考(Michael McCaul, R-TX)及紐約州民主黨眾議員唐斯(Edolphus Towns, D-NY)於上週在國會紀錄中發表延伸發言，紀念1979年4月10日設立的台灣關係法，並強調該法在台美長期策略關係中的中心地位

眾議員麥考及眾議員唐斯分別於3月29日及30日發表了延伸發言，標榜台灣關係法為國會在美國外交政策上扮演領導角色的良好典範。

眾議員麥考表示，台灣關係法與1982年的「六項保證」，仍然是「美台互利互惠關係的基石」。他指出:「過去的30年，台灣在經過重大的社經及政治上的轉變之後，仍然是美國可信任的夥伴。現在台灣更與我們共享自由、民主及人民自決的理想價值。」

除了指出台灣必須在1400枚中國飛彈威脅陰影下實行其民主， 眾議員唐斯強調:「台灣關係法重申美國與中華人民共和國建交的決定，是立基於台灣的未來必須以和平方式解決的期望之上。」

台灣人公共事務會會長高龍榮歡迎這些延伸發言。他表示：「台灣關係法與數年後雷根總統提出的六項保證，在過去的30多年確保了美國與台灣持續發展策略關係，並對台灣人民的人民自決權表示支持。」

他補充：「但是，台灣關係法在近幾年來的執行方式，相對於台灣自1979年至今所經歷，令人刮目相看的政治轉變，或中華人民共和國對台急速增長的武力威脅，已見短絀。」

他最後指出：「因此，我們歡迎由佛羅里達州共和黨眾議員羅絲雷緹南(Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL))所提出的台灣政策法案(H.R. 2918)。該法案將加強並增進台灣關係法框架下的美國外交政策，確保六項保證仍為美台關係中的核心要素，並再次重申台灣的未來必須由台灣人民一致決定的原則。」

由眾議院外交委員會於2011年11月所通過的台灣政策法案，近期將會提交眾議院接受表決。

HON. MICHAEL T. McCAUL
OF TEXAS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Friday, March 30, 2012

Mr. MCCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 33rd anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act.

Since the end of World War II, the United States and Taiwan have fostered a close relationship that has been of enormous strategic and economic benefit to both countries. When the United States shifted diplomatic relations from Taiwan to the People’s Republic of China in January 1979, Congress moved quickly to pass the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) to ensure that the United States would continue its robust engagement with Taiwan in the areas of commerce, culture, and security cooperation. With President Carter’s signature on April 10, 1979, this  important and lasting piece of legislation became the Law of the Land and served as the statutory basis for U.S.-Taiwan relations going forward.

After 33 years, the TRA still stands as a model of congressional leadership in the history of our foreign relation, and, together with the 1982 “Six Assurances,” it remains the cornerstone of a very mutually beneficial relationship between the United States and Taiwan.

Through three decades marked by momentous social, economic, and political transformations, Taiwan has remained a trusted ally of the United States that now shares with us the ideals of freedom, democracy and self-determination. The foresight of the TRA’s drafters in providing that “the United States will make available to Taiwan such defense articles and defense services . . . to enable Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability,” and affirming “the preservation and enhancement of the human rights of all the people on Taiwan” as explicit objectives of the United States, has contributed in large measure to make Taiwan what it is today — a vibrant, open society governed by democratic institutions.

Though the people of Taiwan now enjoy fundamental human rights and civil liberties, they continue to live day after day under the ominous shadow cast by over 1400 short and medium-range ballistic missiles that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has aimed at them. The PRC persists in claiming Taiwan as a “renegade province,” refusing to renounce the use of force to prevent formal de jure independence, even codifying its right to military action via passage of the so-called “Anti-Secession Law” on March 14, 2005. The United States Congress strongly condemned the “Anti-Secession Law” in House Concurrent Resolution 98, passed on March 16, 2005.

The TRA affirmed that the United States’ decision to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China was based on the expectation that the future of Taiwan would be determined by peaceful means. Furthermore, it stipulates that it is the policy of the United States “to consider any effort to determine the future of Taiwan by other than peaceful means . . . a threat to the peace and security of the Western Pacific area and of grave concern to the United States.”

The unambiguous and principled stance contained in these provisions has been instrumental to the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait for more than thirty years, in spite of the growing military threat posed by the PRC.

I therefore invite my colleagues to join me in commemorating the 33rd anniversary of the TRA, to further underline our unwavering commitment to the TRA and our support for the strong and deepening relationship between the U.S. and Taiwan .

HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS
OF NEW YORK
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Thursday, March 29, 2012

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 33rd anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act.

Since the end of World War II, the United States and Taiwan have fostered a close relationship that has been of enormous strategic and economic benefit to both countries. When the United States shifted diplomatic relations from Taiwan to the People’s Republic of China in January 1979, Congress moved quickly to pass the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) to ensure that the United States would continue its robust engagement with Taiwan in the areas of commerce, culture, and security cooperation. With President Carter’s signature on April 10, 1979, this important and lasting piece of legislation became the Law of the Land and served as the statutory basis for U.S.-Taiwan relations going forward.

After 33 years, the TRA still stands as a model of congressional leadership in the history of our foreign relations and remains the cornerstone of a very mutually beneficial relationship between the United States and Taiwan . Through three decades marked by momentous social, economic, and political transformations, Taiwan has remained a trusted ally of the United States that now shares with us the ideals of freedom and democracy. The foresight of the TRA’s drafters in providing that “the United States will make available to Taiwan such defense articles and defense services ….. to enable Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability,” and affirming “the preservation and enhancement of the human rights of all the people on Taiwan” as explicit objectives of the United States, has contributed in large measure to make Taiwan what it is today — a vibrant, open society governed by democratic institutions.

Though the people of Taiwan now enjoy fundamental human rights and civil liberties, they continue to live day after day under the ominous shadow cast by over 1400 short and medium-range ballistic missiles that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has aimed at them. The PRC persists in claiming Taiwan as a “renegade province,” refusing to renounce the use of force to prevent formal de jure independence, even codifying its right to military action via the passage of the so-called “Anti-Secession Law” on March 14, 2005. The United States Congress strongly condemned the “Anti-Secession Law” in House Concurrent Resolution 98, passed on March 16, 2005.

The TRA affirmed that the United States’ decision to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China was based on the expectation that the future of Taiwan would be determined by peaceful means. Furthermore, it stipulates that it is the policy of the United States “to consider any effort to determine the future of Taiwan by other than peaceful means ….. a threat to the peace and security of the Western Pacific area and of grave concern to the United States.” The unambiguous and principled stance contained in these provisions has been instrumental to the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait for more than thirty years.

I therefore invite my colleagues to join me in commemorating the 33rd anniversary of the TRA, to further underline our unwavering commitment to the TRA and our support for the strong and deepening relationship between the U.S. and Taiwan.

Photo Credit: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Flickr)

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House Committee On Foreign Affairs Unanimously Passes Taiwan Policy Act

On November 17, the Foreign Affairs Committee of the United States House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation to strengthen the U.S. commitment to Taiwan’s security.

The passage of HR 2918, as introduced by Committee chair Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) on September 14, 2011 was a clear signal that House members on both sides of the aisle not only forcefully support Taiwan’s self-defense capability, but also a list of over 20 other provisions that will broaden and deepen the bilateral relationship between the United States and Taiwan in various ways, including trade and commercial ties, participation in international organizations, and through the sale of defensive arms.

Most importantly, the bill provides that the 1982 Six Assurances continue to be a core component of U.S. foreign policy and reaffirms the principle that the future of Taiwan must be determined in a peaceful manner and with the assent of the people of Taiwan. (See: excerpted bill highlights below)

During the mark-up hearing, Committee Members stressed the importance of re-articulating America’s commitment to Taiwan.

Committee chair Ros-Lehtinen stated: “The bill considered and adopted today will help ensure that Taiwan’s peace, prosperity and security will be maintained for the next three decades and beyond.”

She added “Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta’s comments last month in Bali that we gave Beijing a “heads up” before the formal announcement on arms sales to Taiwan raises further concern about adherence to the Taiwan Relations Act and Ronald Reagan’s Six Assurances.”

Top Democrat on the Committee Rep. Howard Berman stated: “I am a strong supporter of Taiwan, and both of these bills will bolster our bilateral relationship with an important friend and ally.”

“This is a powerful signal to the people of Taiwan, and the Taiwanese-American community in the U.S.,” states Prof. Bob Yang, President of the Formosan Association for Public Affairs. “While the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) has been the cornerstone of U.S.-Taiwan relations for over 30 years; the Taiwan Policy Act aligns the TRA with the developments in these past decades, and will go on to act as the firm foundation of this critical relationship for the next 30 years.”

“We commend the committee for its leadership in recognizing the importance of the U.S.-Taiwan relationship for peace and stability in the Asia Pacific, and in safeguarding that values of freedom and democracy that the people of Taiwan share with their American friends,” Yang said, adding that “FAPA will be devoting its full ranges of resources to ensure that this historic piece of legislation passes into law.”

H.R. 2992, the Taiwan Airpower Modernization Act was also passed in the session.

眾議院外交委員會一致通過台灣政策法案

11月17日美國眾議院外交委員會，全體一致通過加強美國對台安全責任的法案。

台灣政策法案 (H.R.2918) 是在今年9月14日，由佛羅里達州共和黨籍眾議員羅絲雷緹南(Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL))所提出，今天在委員會獲共和、民主黨兩方眾議院成員一致通過，清楚表明了對台灣的共識和支持。他們不僅強力支持台灣的自我防衛能力，也支持超過20項其他將深化及廣化美台雙邊關係的條文，包括商務來往、國際組織參與，及軍售防衛性武器。

最重要的是，該法案確保1982年的「六項保證」將繼續為美國外交政策核心的一部分，並再次重申台灣的未來必須以和平方式解決，並獲台灣人民同意的原則。（請見法案重點摘取如下）

在法案審議聽證會中，委員會成員皆強調並重申美國對台灣承諾的重要性。

外交委員會主席羅絲雷緹南表示：「今天被討論並通過的法案，將會協助確保台灣在未來三十年及之後的和平、繁榮及安全被維持。」

她並說明:「國防部長帕內塔(Leon Panetta)上月在峇里島作出評論，指出我們在正式宣布對台軍購前，提先知會(heads up)北京。這讓人不禁憂心我們是否仍遵守台灣關係法及雷根總統的『六項保證』。」

委員會中最資深的民主黨眾議員柏曼(Rep. Howard Berman)指出：「我是台灣強力的支持者，而這些法案將會增進我們與重要盟友的雙邊關係。」

台灣人公共事務會會長楊英育博士表示：「這對台灣人民及在美國的台美人社區來說，是個強而有力的信息。過去的30年以來，臺灣關係法(TRA)為美台關係的基石; 而台灣政策法案則是導入過去數十年的新發展，使其與台灣關係法齊行，並將成為未來30年兩國重要關係的基礎。」

他並補充：「我們表彰委員會在承認美台關係於亞太地區和平及穩定的重要性，所展現的領導力，及為保障台灣人民與美國友人共享的自由民主價值所作出的努力。台灣人公共事務會將使用其所有資源，確保此歷史性的法案被通過並成為法律。」

HR2992法案，《台灣空軍軍力現代化法案》也於同一聽證會獲得一致通過。

TAIWAN POLICY ACT HIGHLIGHTS

Sec. 2(3) – “The future of Taiwan must be determined in a peaceful manner and with the assent of the people of Taiwan.”

Sec. 2(14) – Asserts that the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) or any other cross-strait economic agreements “shall not diminish in any degree the requirement contained in the Act to ‘maintain the capacity of the United States to resist any resort to force….”

Sec. 2(17) – Expands trade ties by including Taiwan in an “expanded Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement or similar mechanism”

Sec. 101(4) – TECRO “and all other instrumentalities established by Taiwan, including the Twin Oaks Estate, may conduct official business activities, including activities which involve participation by Members of the United States Congress and other representatives of the Federal, State, and local governments, without any impediment from the United States Government or any foreign power.”

Sec. 201 – Establishes policy of encouraging visits by cabinet-level officials between the U.S. and Taiwan.

Sec. 103 – Removes current restrictions on high-level visits going both ways, and permit use of U.S. executive facilities to conduct meetings

(4) – Support Taiwan’s decision to change TECRO name to “Taiwan Representative Office.”

Sec. 104 – Requires Senate confirmation of the Director of the American Institute in Taiwan

Sec. 105 – Directs the executive branch to negotiate and conclude a comprehensive Extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance agreements with Taiwan.

Sec. 106 – Reaffirms the Six Assurances of 1982.

Sec. 108 – Requires detailed steps to assist Taiwan in moving toward meaningful participation in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Sec. 201(a) – Clarifies that the determining defense articles to be made available for sale to Taiwan based on factors other than Taiwan’s defense needs violates the congressional intent of TRA Section 3(b).

Sec. 301 – Includes Taiwan into the Visa Waiver Program upon satisfaction of the legal and procedural requirements..

Sec. 302 – States the sense of Congress that USTR should “”seek to resume and successfully conclude negotiations of economic issues”” in TIFA.

Sec. 303 – States the sense of Congress that the conclusion of an FTA is the “ultimate goal of trade negotiations with Taiwan.”

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

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FAPA Applauds Introduction Of Taiwan Policy Act

On Wednesday, September 14, the Chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), introduced a landmark piece of legislation aimed at significantly enhancing the U.S.-Taiwan alliance.

With five bipartisan co-sponsors including Robert Andrews (D-NJ), Dan Burton (R-IN), Edward Royce (R-CA), Steve Chabot (R-OH), and Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), the Taiwan Policy Act of 2011 provides a comprehensive legal framework for the continuation and expansion of the longstanding bilateral relationship.

Announcing the introduction of the bill at a reception hosted by FAPA in honor of Dr. Tsai Ing-wen, Chairwoman of the Democratic Progressive Party of Taiwan, Rep. Ros-Lehtinen said that “”It is a particularly auspicious day for you to be here, for today I had the honor of introducing the Taiwan Policy Act.””

The Congresswoman went on to elaborate that the bill “calls for Taiwan to be provided as soon as possible with the next generation of F-16 fighters to defend the skies over the Taiwan Strait” and “looks forward to a free trade agreement between our two economies.”

Highlighting yet another provision of the bill, Ros-Lehtinen said “I am pleased to have the opportunity to present to you, Chairwoman Tsai, with this flag which flew over the Capitol.  The Taiwan Policy Act assures that both Taiwan’s flag and the Stars and Stripes will proudly fly over our respective offices in Taipei and Washington for years and decades to come. And those proudly waving flags will serve to demonstrate the enduring ties of friendship that bind our two peoples.”

In a separate statement, the Congresswoman said that “Taiwan is one of our closest and most important allies, and it is time again for our foreign policy to reflect that. This legislation seeks to reverse the pattern of neglect and inattention by the Obama Administration toward critical U.S.-Taiwan issues.”

“China must not be allowed to dictate U.S. policy in the Pacific. The Taiwan Relations Act continues to be the bedrock of U.S. policy in the region and this bill will help to reinforce it, and strengthen the U.S.-Taiwan alliance,” the statement continues.

The newly introduced bill seeks to clarify the congressional intent behind the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 as well as reaffirm Reagan’s Six Assurances by “strengthen[ing] Congressional oversight of defense transfers to Taiwan.” It would also lift current restrictions on visits to the U.S. by high level Taiwanese officials and commit the U.S. administration to helping Taiwan gain meaningful participation in international organizations.

Above all, the bill establishes that “the future of Taiwan must be determined in a peaceful manner and with the assent of the people of Taiwan.”

In reaction, FAPA President Bob Yang , PhD, said that “This bill is one of the most significant piece of legislation to address U.S.-Taiwan relations over the past decades and, if passed, will greatly bolster Taiwan’s ability to preserve its freedom of action in the international community.”

Yang continued that “We at FAPA will mobilize our members all over the United States to help make sure that Congress passes this important piece of legislation to help make sure that the bill becomes law at the earliest opportunity.”

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

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