President Chen Shui-bian on May 30 met with members of the US House of Representatives' Congressional Black Caucus who are presently visiting Taiwan. The president expressed his appreciation for the staunch support that the visitors have long provided to Taiwan.
The president congratulated the Congressional Black Caucus on its outstanding performance. When a new House of Representatives convened at the beginning of this year, four members of the caucus were elected as committee chairmen. In addition, 13 caucus members serve as chairmen of sub-committees. The president also expressed his gratitude to caucus members for taking notice of and supporting Taiwan's efforts to participate in the World Health Organization, as well as putting their names to a bill urging the American government to negotiate a free trade agreement with Taiwan. In the past, caucus members also expressed grave concern after China passed the Anti-separation Law and stated their hopes that the European Union would not lift its arms embargo against China. He said the 23 million people of Taiwan are grateful for the efforts made by caucus members in this regard.
President Chen acknowledged that the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) over the past several decades has made a contribution to maintaining peace, safety and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The president, however, called for a joint examination of various articles and content of the TRA in order to determine areas that are now inappropriate based on the present situation, especially as many actions of the Chinese government have run counter to the TRA. The president also said he hopes that his explanation of the situation will enable the visitors to understand how China is threatening the status quo and will lead them to continue to support Taiwan. He said that Taiwan is a democratic and pluralistic nation, with people having different opinions on a variety of issues. However, he noted that recently China has aired the "the People's Republic of China includes Taiwan" statement in discussions carried out at the WHO and the World Organization for Animal Health. The president said that is totally incorrect and that Taiwan cannot accept this. He said he believes that there is not one person among Taiwan's 23 million residents who believes Taiwan is a part of the People's Republic of China. As the president of Taiwan, he said, he must defend the national sovereignty, respect and security of Taiwan. As a result, factually inaccurate statements must be countered and clarified by Taiwan. He said he hopes the international community will be able to hear the true voice of the Taiwan people.
The Congressional Black Caucus delegation visiting Taiwan is being headed by Eddie Bernice Johnson. Other members include G. K. Butterfield and Donna M. Christensen. The group was accompanied to the Presidential Building in the morning by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Chang Siao-yue and American Institute in Taiwan Director Stephen Young. Also in attendance was Deputy Secretary-General to the President Chen Chi-mai.