His remarks seemed to be a sign of a split in Republican ranks with the George W. Bush administration, which has reiterated its "one China" policy and reportedly told Chinese President Hu Jintao (胡錦濤) recently that Bush does not support Taiwan's independence.
However, Chabot said, he feels Bush "does not have any philosophical problems with the independence of Taiwan," and noted that Bush often refers to Taiwan as a "country."
Taiwan's rights
"As long as `one China' is not understood to mean that Taiwan is part of China, then I have no problem with it," Chabot said.
"But if carelessness or inattention to nuance or force of habit leads America's political leaders to the mistaken notion that Taiwan is part of China, then `one China' must be dumped, and the United States must declare that while we do not support Taiwan independence, nor do we have any philosophical problems with it," he said.
"If that's what the people of Taiwan want, they have every right to it."
Andrews echoed that sentiment.
"If the democratically elected government of Taiwan one day reaches an agreement, that it feels it is appropriate for its citizens, that results in Taiwan being part of an integrated China, we should recognize that agreement," he said.
"However, if such a move is not possible -- which today it's not -- or if it is rejected by the democratic leadership of Taiwan, then we should recognize Taiwan as a free and independent state, sovereign in its own determination," he said.
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