President Chen Shui-bian on September 5 met with Heritage Foundation Distinguished Fellow Ambassador Harvey Feldman. The president, on behalf of the government and 23 million people of the ROC (Taiwan), extended a warm welcome and appreciation to Ambassador Feldman.
The president praised Ambassador Feldman for his expertise in Asia-Pacific affairs. Ambassador Feldman was one of the drafters of the Taiwan Relations Act. President Chen also expressed his appreciation to Ambassador Feldman for his long friendship toward and support for Taiwan. Earlier this year when Taiwan hoped to apply to join the World Health Organization, Ambassador Feldman specially penned an article supporting Taiwan and citing the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979. He said that while the United States withdrew its formal diplomatic recognition of Taiwan, this did not mean that the United States opposes Taiwan's participation in international monetary organizations, such as the International Monetary Fund or other international institutions. Ambassador Feldman specifically mentioned that according to regulations of the Taiwan Relations Act, any American law that mentions or concerns a foreign country or foreign government should also apply to Taiwan. Even more important is that while neither Taiwan nor the United States is allowed to establish an embassy in the other, it can be recognized that Taiwan is a country. He said that the American government has never believed or recognized that Taiwan is a part of China or is a province of the People's Republic of China.
The president said he understands that the American government has some reservations. He noted that National Security Council Senior Director for Asian Affairs Mr. Dennis Wilder has mentioned that no matter whether the name used is Taiwan or the Republic of China, neither is a country. Mr. Wilder also previously expressed viewpoints that the position of the Republic of China has yet to be settled and that the status of Taiwan is unclear. President Chen invited Ambassador Feldman to express his opinions on this topic.
The president stressed that the 23 million people of Taiwan hope to enjoy the universal value of democracy. He said he hopes the world is able to listen to the voice of Taiwan. He also expressed his appreciation to the American government for its long-term encouragement of and support for Taiwan's democratic process, including President George W. Bush's public praise for Taiwan' democratic accomplishments. The president said the desires of the 23 million people of Taiwan as to the status and direction for the nation should be respected.