US House Majority Leader Tom DeLay Thursday issued a statement in Congress, saying that the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) is even more relevant now than at its enactment 24 years ago.
In the statement, issued on the occasion of the 24th anniversary of the TRA, DeLay said that on April 10, 1979, the TRA became law and the United States affirmed its friendship with the people of Taiwan. That friendship remains a cornerstone of America's vision for a free, secure, and prosperous Asia at peace with itself and the community of nations.
The following is the abridged text of the statement:
"Mr. Speaker, on April 10, 1979, the Taiwan Relations Act became law, and the United States affirmed its friendship with the people of Taiwan.
That friendship remains a cornerstone of America's vision for a free, secure, and prosperous Asia at peace with itself and the community of nations.
The TRA requires the United States to provide Taiwan sufficient arms to defend herself and demands a peaceful resolution to its dispute with Beijing.
Under the TRA, the Taiwanese are assured the United States will not allow bullying or blackmail across the Taiwan Strait.
Today, its 24th anniversary, this historic legislation is even more relevant than at its enactment.
Though Taiwan is one of America's largest trading partners, our friendship is much deeper than an economic partnership. Our two nations are bound by common values of self-determination, freedom, and economic opportunity.
We are also bound by a common resistance to the efforts of any regime to repress man's God-given human rights.
The price of liberty is eternal vigilance,"Thomas Jefferson said.
Free men and women in Taiwan, whose neighbors on the mainland suffer under the boot-heel of Communist tyranny, have no choice but to live that sentiment every day.
Taiwan is a free nation, and must remain so. Her open and tolerant society should be seen by Beijing not as a threat, but a model for progress.
I have traveled to Taiwan several times. Anyone who has can tell you it is home to a vibrant, modern nation of free and prosperous people, grateful for America's friendship.
It is now our responsibility to ensure that friendship grows even stronger. Our responsibility in such times is no less than to ensure the security of free men everywhere in the world.
The House of Representatives understands this responsibility, and has affirmed its support for Taiwan numerous times since TRA, including in its overwhelming passage of the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act in February, 2000.
So, too, does the President. He has made it clear the United States will do whatever it takes to defend Taiwan. His Administration has provided Taiwan with essential weapons systems and continues to expand our economic partnership."
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