President Chen Shui-bian (
"We are committed to safeguarding national security and strengthening defense capabilities," Chen said. "We will not force the US government to shoulder the responsibility of maintaining peace, security and stability in the Taiwan Strait."
Chen made the remarks yesterday morning while receiving a delegation led by US Congressman Lincoln Davis at the Presidential Office.
Pledges
Chen gave assurances that the pledges and commitments he made over the years to the US government and the Bush administration still held.
Chen thanked the US government -- especially the Bush administration -- for its long-term support of Taiwan's democracy and contributions to protecting peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Chen also extended his appreciation to the US Congress for its concern over cross-strait issues, including China's "Anti-Secession" Law and the EU's ban on arms sales to China. The arms embargo was imposed following the Chinese military crackdown on student protests in Tiananmen Square in 1989.
Representation
Despite the lack of official diplomatic ties between Taiwan and the US, Chen said he hoped the US government and Congress would continue to support Taiwan's bids to join international organizations, including the UN and the WHO.
"The collective representation of the 23 million people of Taiwan must be recognized," Chen said. "Health and disease prevention should transcend national boundaries and Taiwanese people's right to health must be respected."
While UN Resolution 2758 allows for the representation of China, it fails to address that of Taiwan. As it is the fundamental right of all nations to join the international body, Chen said Taiwanese should not be discriminated against or excluded.
Referring to the US-South Korea FTA, Chen called on the US to begin consultations on and ink a trade pact with Taiwan, as doing so would be in the interests of both countries.
Taiwan is the US' eighth-largest trading partner, while South Korea is the seventh.
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