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“REAFFIRMATION OF THE TAIWAN RELATIONS ACT AND THE SIX ASSURANCES” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H2395-H2397 on May 16, 2016.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
REAFFIRMATION OF THE TAIWAN RELATIONS ACT AND THE SIX ASSURANCES
Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 88) reaffirming the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances as the cornerstone of United States-Taiwan relations, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows:
H. Con. Res. 88
Whereas the Cold War years cemented the close friendship between the United States and Taiwan, with Taiwan as an anti-Communist ally in the Asia-Pacific;
Whereas United States economic aid prevented Taiwan from sliding into an economic depression in the 1950s and greatly contributed to the island's later economic takeoff;
Whereas Taiwan has flourished to become a beacon of democracy in Asia and leading trade partner for the United States, and the relationship has endured for more than 65 years through many shifts in Asia's geopolitical landscape;
Whereas the strong relationship between the United States and Taiwan is based on mutually beneficial security, commercial, and cultural ties;
Whereas Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Susan Thornton stated in her testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on February 11, 2016, that ``The people on Taiwan have built a prosperous, free, and orderly society with strong institutions, worthy of emulation and envy'';
Whereas Deputy Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken stated on March 29, 2016, that with Taiwan's January 2016 elections,
``the people of Taiwan showed the world again what a mature, Chinese-speaking democracy looks like'';
Whereas on January 1, 1979, when the Carter Administration established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China (PRC), it ended formal diplomatic ties with the Republic of China on Taiwan;
Whereas, the United States Congress acted swiftly to reaffirm the United States-Taiwan relationship with the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act just 100 days later, ensuring the United States maintained a robust and enduring relationship with Taiwan;
Whereas the Taiwan Relations Act (Public Law 96-8) was enacted on April 10, 1979, codifying into law the basis for continued commercial, cultural, and other relations between the United States and Taiwan;
Whereas the Taiwan Relations Act was enacted ``to help maintain peace, security, and stability in the Western Pacific'', which ``are in the political, security, and economic interests of the United States and are matters of international concern'';
Whereas the United States Congress significantly strengthened the draft legislation originally submitted by the Executive Branch to include provisions concerning Taiwan's security in the Taiwan Relations Act;
Whereas then-Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Kin Moy stated in his written testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on March 14, 2014, that, ``Our enduring relationship under the Taiwan Relations Act represents a unique asset for the United States and is an important multiplier of our influence in the region'', and credited the Taiwan Relations Act for having ``played such a key part in protecting Taiwan's freedom of action and U.S. interests the last 35 years in the Asia-Pacific area'';
Whereas then-Special Assistant to the President and National Security Council Senior Director for Asian Affairs Evan Medeiros noted on March 28, 2014 that the Taiwan Relations Act was ``an enduring expression to the people of Taiwan about our commitment to their well-being, their security, their economic autonomy, and their international space'';
Whereas the Taiwan Relations Act states ``the United States decision to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China rests upon the expectation that the future of Taiwan will be determined by peaceful means'';
Whereas the Taiwan Relations Act states that it is the policy of the United States to ``provide Taiwan with arms of a defensive character'' and ``to maintain the capacity of the United States to resist any resort to force or other forms of coercion that would jeopardize the security, or the social or economic system, of the people on Taiwan'';
Whereas each successive United States Administration since the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act has provided arms of a defensive character to Taiwan;
Whereas a 2015 Department of Defense report to Congress on Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China stated that, ``Preparing for potential conflict in the Taiwan Strait remains the focus and primary driver of China's military investment'';
Whereas the United States has an abiding interest in the preservation of cross-Strait peace and stability, and in peace and stability in the entire Asia-Pacific region;
Whereas on July 14, 1982, as the United States negotiated with the People's Republic of China over the wording of a joint communique' related to United States arms sales to Taiwan, President Ronald Reagan instructed his representative in Taiwan, American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Director James R. Lilley, to relay a set of assurances to Taiwan's then-President Chiang Ching-kuo;
Whereas in House and Senate testimony immediately after the issuance of the August 17, 1982, Joint Communique' with the PRC, 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) ``We have no plans to seek'' revisions to the Taiwan Relations Act; and
(6) the August 17 Communique', ``should not be read to imply that we have agreed to engage in prior consultations with Beijing on arms sales to Taiwan'';
Whereas these assurances, first delivered to Taiwan's president by AIT Director Lilley, have come to be known as the Six Assurances;
Whereas in testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on October 4, 2011, then-Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell stated that, ``[The] Taiwan Relations Act, plus the so-called Six Assurances and Three Communique's, form the foundation of our overall approach'', to relations with Taiwan; and
Whereas in testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on April 3, 2014, Assistant Secretary of State Daniel R. Russel stated that the Six Assurances ``continue to play an important part as an element of our approach to Taiwan and the situation across the strait'': Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 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 Department of State to affirm the Six Assurances publicly, proactively, and consistently as a cornerstone of United States-Taiwan relations.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
General Leave
Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include any extraneous material in the Record.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from California?
There was no objection.
Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 88.
I would like to recognize Mr. Chabot for his longstanding dedication and support for the people of Taiwan.
Mr. Speaker, Taiwan has always been a strong friend and critical ally to the United States. Congress has been central to this relationship, championing a strong relationship with Taiwan through landmark measures like the Taiwan Relations Act and through pressing successive administrations to fulfill their obligation to sell defensive arms to Taiwan.
Taiwan is now the United States' ninth largest trading partner, and it is in the U.S.' interest to have a stable and a prosperous Taiwan.
It is an exciting time in Taiwan. In January, a free and fair election once again demonstrated the strength and vibrancy of Taiwan's democratic system. And in 3 days, we expect the newly elected President to be inaugurated in a peaceful transfer of power from one party to another.
The people of Taiwan should be proud of their prosperous, free, and democratic society and what they have been able to accomplish, despite having to face countless challenges outside of their control.
Mr. Speaker, when the U.S. established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on January 1, 1979, the U.S. Congress acted just 100 days later to pass the Taiwan Relations Act, which would ensure that the United States maintained a robust and enduring relationship with Taiwan.
Three years later, in 1982, President Reagan deepened the U.S. commitment to Taiwan by issuing the Six Assurances to Taiwan, which included treating Taiwan as we would treat any one of our allies when making decisions on defensive arms sales, not setting a date for termination of arms sales, and not altering the Taiwan Relations Act.
Mr. Speaker, this legislation is especially important when it comes to the Six Assurances. When the Reagan administration delivered the Six Assurances, it was by way of a verbal agreement and has largely remained as such since 1982.
Today, by passing this resolution, Congress is going on record that the cornerstone of U.S.-Taiwan policy is not only the Taiwan Relations Act, but also the Six Assurances. This important measure solidifies President Reagan's commitment to Taiwan and urges this administration and the ones that follow to publicly, proactively, and consistently take the Six Assurances into account when handling United States-Taiwan relations.
I am proud that in the 114th Congress we have already passed legislation which supports Taiwan's inclusion in INTERPOL and that we are now also passing a measure which will reassure our friends in Taiwan and press the administration to continue to abide by the Six Assurances. I am also proud that maintaining a strong relationship with Taiwan continues to be a bipartisan issue.
I appreciate Mr. Eliot Engel's support on this initiative, the ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee. Let me say that, by passing this resolution, we, the United States Congress, are yet again taking another step toward strengthening the U.S.-Taiwan partnership.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise in support of this resolution.
Let me once again thank Chairman Ed Royce and our colleague from Ohio
(Mr. Chabot), who introduced this measure.
At the end of this week, Taiwan will swear in a new President, marking another peaceful democratic transition in that country. I have had the pleasure of meeting the President-elect, Dr. Tsai Ing-wen, several times as well as the country's outgoing leader, President Ma. And though they represent different political parties, it is clear that they are both fully committed to Taiwan's vibrant democracy and open society. Those values are also at the root of the close ties between the United States and Taiwan.
This resolution affirms our commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances. These are the measures that have underpinned our relationship with the Taiwanese people since we normalized relations with the People's Republic of China.
As Taiwan prepares for this week's political transition, it is vital that the United States send a clear signal that we continue to stand with the people of Taiwan on a range of issues, from Taiwan's defense to its growing role on the global stage, to its commitment to freedom and democracy.
So I am happy to support this measure. We should continue to stand with our partners in Taiwan, and I wish the people of Taiwan well as they swear in a new President this week. I might add, it is the first woman President of Taiwan.
I urge support for this resolution.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio
(Mr. Chabot). He is chairman of the Small Business Committee, a senior member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the author of this measure.
Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 88.
I was one of the original founders of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus. It was a bipartisan group of people who founded it. I have been the chairman of the Foreign Affairs' Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific. I have been a longtime friend of Taiwan. I have been there probably a dozen times over the years.
This important legislation reaffirms the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances as cornerstones of U.S.-Taiwan relations.
As a longtime supporter of Taiwan, as I mentioned, I believe that the U.S.-Taiwan relationship is absolutely vital to the security and sustainability not just of Taiwan, but of the whole region.
Taiwan is a close ally, one that truly believes and practices freedom and democracy. We witnessed this firsthand this past January, as some of my colleagues have mentioned, when the people of Taiwan held democratic national elections resulting in the election of Tsai Ing-
wen. I want to congratulate her and wish her best wishes in her role as President of Taiwan.
Taiwan elects their people democratically, unlike the PRC right across the Taiwan Strait. As we know, China has been bullying Taiwan for many years now. It is unfortunate that the PRC, China, doesn't follow, as an example, the people of Taiwan, who democratically elect their leaders.
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Taiwan faces an unrelenting threat from China, which has nearly 1,600 ballistic missiles aimed at this small island. I remember when I came to Congress about 20 years ago, we talked about how scary it was that there were a couple hundred, 200 or 300 missiles aimed at Taiwan at that time. That has increased over the years to 1,600 missiles aimed at Taiwan from China.
Although Taiwan enjoys de facto independence, China's ultimate goal is to take over Taiwan, to annex Taiwan, whatever the people of Taiwan believe. We absolutely cannot let that happen. China's ultimate goal, as I say, is the annexation of the island. We have all seen the growing hostilities in the East China Sea and South China Sea over the last couple years.
I believe that this legislation underscores the point that the Taiwan Strait continues to be one of the potential flash points on the globe. We have seen China literally building islands and then militarizing those islands, much to the chagrin of all their neighbors in the region, from Japan to Vietnam, to Taiwan, to the Philippines, and on and on. That is what the PRC, China, has been up to. Any sort of solution between China and Taiwan should be reached in a peaceful and fair manner and only with the agreement of the people of Taiwan.
Mr. Speaker, April 10, 2016, marked the 37th anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act, the TRA. This act codifies into law an institutional framework and legal basis for continued interaction between the U.S. and Taiwan, and it serves to maintain peace and stability in the western Pacific.
When President Ronald Reagan agreed to sign the U.S.-China third communique in 1982, he was aware of the communique's effect on Taiwan and fully recognized that Taiwan needed to be reassured that they would not be abandoned--and they will not be abandoned--by the United States.
In order to reinforce American support for Taiwan, the United States issued the Six Assurances. The Six Assurances provided a framework for sustaining the unique relationship between the United States and our ally, Taiwan. Mr. Speaker, they are as valid today as they were back in 1982. They rightfully function along with the TRA, as cornerstones of U.S.-Taiwan relations.
I encourage my colleagues to support this resolution.
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to close.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that the democracies of the world stand together to help strengthen freedom, justice, and opportunity. That is why the United States and Taiwan have been such natural partners over the decades. Even as we deal with the People's Republic of China, we must continue to stand with our friends in Taiwan.
Again, I am delighted that Dr. Tsai Ing-wen is the first female President of Taiwan. Perhaps we will follow suit in November with the first woman President. This resolution reaffirms just how important that relationship is; and as Taiwan moves forward with this week's political transition, that country's people should know that they have an enduring friend in the United States.
Again, I commend Mr. Chabot for his insight in putting forward this resolution. I thank our chairman. I support this measure.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen), the chairman emeritus of the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman and the ranking member for their wonderful leadership for many years on the issue of strengthening U.S.-Taiwan relations. I also want to thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot), my dear friend, for authoring this important resolution of which I am proud to be a cosponsor.
H. Con. Res. 88 reaffirms the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances as the cornerstones of U.S.-Taiwan relations, guidelines to which there should be no doubt about the commitment of the United States to our neighbor.
In January, Taiwan once again demonstrated that it is one of the world's strongest and most vibrant democracies, a great partner, and I congratulate President-elect Tsai on her tremendous election and all of the people of Taiwan on their continued democratic success.
Taiwan is truly a beacon of freedom in the Pacific, serving as an inspiration for those still suffering under repressive regimes, and is living proof of what can be achieved with liberty and self-government, principles that undergird both of our nations and form the foundation for our mutual stability, for our security, for our prosperity.
As Taiwan's neighbor China continues raising tensions in the region, it is crucial that the United States provide Taiwan with the capability to defend herself against Chinese aggression, whether that aggression is political in nature, economic, or military. Both China and Taiwan must know that our commitment to Taiwan has not wavered one bit.
Taiwan is an essential U.S. ally. It is our friend. It is our partner. I thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot), my friend, for authoring this resolution, for reaffirming our commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act, to the Six Assurances, and to the Taiwanese people here today.
The United States will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Taiwan. I look forward, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chairman, and ranking member, to even greater cooperation and friendship with Taiwan in the years ahead.
I thank the gentleman for the time, and I thank the ranking member for his leadership and Mr. Chabot for authoring this important resolution.
Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter).
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H. Con. Res. 88 and its effects on U.S. foreign relations.
Since 1979, the United States has enjoyed a friendly and productive relationship that has been supported by the passage of the Taiwan Relations Act and Six Assurances. The Taiwan Relations Act was a monumental piece of legislation that is directly responsible for fostering the longstanding friendship between the United States and Taiwan. The Six Assurances also played a significant role, setting the principles by which the United States would mediate its relationship with Taiwan and China.
As security concerns have increased in the South Pacific, our allies in the region have contributed significantly to the safety and economic growth of the region. As a member of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, I am continually supportive of efforts to strengthen the friendship between our two countries.
I would like to commend Congressman Chabot, Chairman Royce, and the Committee on Foreign Affairs for their leadership on this issue and their continued efforts in championing the close ties we have with Taiwan. I encourage all of my colleagues to support this measure so we can continue to ensure a bright future for both Taiwan and for the United States.
Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
As one of the coauthors of this legislation, I really want to thank Representative Chabot for introducing this measure and for being a longtime champion on Taiwan, especially as he was chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific last Congress. I want to thank Mr. Engel as well for his efforts on this legislation.
We have a commitment to democracy, and we share that with Taiwan. We share this commitment to the rule of law, to human rights. Frankly, Taiwan serves as an example of what can be built based upon these shared principles, and so do we.
I think the Six Assurances are a critical element of U.S.-Taiwan policy, but obviously they are not consistently referenced or referred to as a cornerstone of U.S.-Taiwan policy alongside the Taiwan Relations Act, which is considered that cornerstone. Passage of H. Con. Res. 88 will put that longstanding verbal agreement onto paper, and, in turn, it will call on the administration and future administrations in unambiguous terms to publicly abide by the assurances offered by President Reagan.
Taiwan is one of America's closest friends, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Con. Res. 88.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 88, reaffirming the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances as the cornerstone of U.S.-Taiwan relations.
As a co-Chair of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, I want to thank my colleague and founding co-Chair of the Taiwan Caucus, Steve Chabot, for introducing this measure.
When discussing the origins, stakeholders, and impact of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), it is important to note the significant role Congress played in amending the draft legislation the Executive Branch proposed for the maintenance of unofficial relations with Taiwan.
I want to thank the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee for working with me on an amendment to H. Con. Res. 88 that credits Congress with significantly strengthening the TRA and the codified U.S. commitment to Taiwan.
The draft legislative text proposed by the Executive Branch published in the March 1979 Department of State Bulletin included three simple titles to provide the legal authority for the maintenance of commercial, cultural, and other relations with Taiwan.
However, the Taiwan Relations Act enacted into law bears little resemblance to the text published in the March 1979 Bulletin.
Through the legislative process in both the House of Representatives and Senate, Congress left its mark on our enduring commitment to Taiwan in several ways, most notably by adding the security commitments made in Section 2(b)(5) and Section 3 of the TRA.
The U.S. and Taiwan have since developed a dynamic relationship based on our shared values, deep economic ties, security relationship, and a history of bilateral collaboration.
It is in the tradition of Congressional stewardship of the U.S.-
Taiwan relationship that I urge my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 88.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 88, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the concurrent resolution, as amended, was agreed to.
The title of the concurrent resolution was amended so as to read:
``Concurrent resolution reaffirming the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances as cornerstones of United States-Taiwan relations.''.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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