President Chen Shui-bian met with United States Congressman John Linder at the Office of the President on April 11 and discussed a number of issues including anti-terrorism, avian flu, and the rise of China.
The president thanked Congressman Linder, a member of the US Congressional Taiwan Caucus, for his firm support over Taiwan-related bills, for being a strong proponent of strengthening Taiwan's national defense, Taiwan's bids to participate in the World Trade Organization and the World Health Organization, and for urging the European Union not to lift the arms embargo against China.
President Chen and Congressman Linder spent time discussing terrorism and anti-terrorism. Though not yet a member of the United Nations, the president told the congressman that Taiwan fully supports the US-led global anti-terrorism campaign and has already presented Taiwan's reports on anti-terrorism to the UN in compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 1540. The president also reassured his guest that Taiwan would strictly follow the US recommendations on anti-terrorism.
Avian flu was also discussed in their meeting. The president cited a report made by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and told the congressman that any avian flu outbreak in Asia could result in a financial loss as huge as US$300 billion. Thus, the president stressed that Taiwan wished to closely cooperate with the US in avian flu prevention and control.
And while wishing the forthcoming talks between US President Bush and Chinese President Hu Jintao a success, President Chen also urged Congressman Linder and the US Congress to keep a watchful eye on China's rise and the communist regime's threats to human rights and democracy.
Congressman Linder was accompanied by Stephen Young, director of the American Institute in Taiwan, and Taiwan's Vice Foreign Minister Francisco L.Y. Hwang. Secretary-General to the President Mark Chen was also present during the meeting.