President Chen Shui-bian met with United States Congressmen Solomon Ortiz and Steve Chabot at the Presidential Office on the morning of January 9. President Chen extended expressed a warm welcome and deep appreciation to the two Congressmen for making the long journey to Taiwan for the meetings.
The president said that Congressman Ortiz has visited Taiwan over 40 times and in some respects one could say that Taiwan is his home away from home. Congressman Ortiz has been a long supporter of Taiwan in the House of Representatives, and he has participated in many resolutions and declarations friendly to Taiwan. These include calls for the United States to forge a free trade agreement with Taiwan and also supporting participation for Taiwan in the World Health Organization (WHO). Over the years, he has spared no effort on behalf of Taiwan, the president said.
The president also expressed his delight at having the chance to once again meet with Congressman Chabot. The president and Congressman Chabot last met in February 2007. Congressman Chabot is the Co-chair of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, and he believes that there are many parts of the "one-China policy" adopted by the United States that no longer are in step with the times and that need to be re-examined. The president said he admires Congressman Chabot for taking this bold stance. Over the past several years, he has also shown concern over and lent assistance to Taiwan on topics such as the statement by President Chen that the National Unification Council would cease to function, Taiwan's efforts to enter the United Nations (UN), and a referendum to be held here on whether Taiwan should apply to enter the UN under the name "Taiwan." The president said that Congressman Chabot is indeed the best friend to him and the 23 million people of Taiwan.
President Chen took advantage of the meeting with the two Congressmen to request that they continue to pay close attention to matters of security in the Taiwan Strait. He said he hopes the two will continue to provide assistance paving the way for interaction and cooperation between Taiwan and the US in military affairs. The president especially noted that Taiwan's Legislative Yuan has already supported a budget for the acquisition of F-16 C/D fighter jets from the United States, and that he hopes the US will approve the sales at the earliest possible date in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act. The president said that this would enable Taiwan to replace its aging fleet of F5 fighter jets and would help bridge a gap in Taiwan's air defense abilities. President Chen also said Taiwan is one of America's most important trade partners. He expressed his hope that the United States will give consideration to negotiating and signing a free trade agreement with Taiwan. This would undoubtedly be in the best economic interests of both countries, he said.
President Chen said Taiwan is grateful for the long-term encouragement and support of the US government, Congress and people during its progression from authoritarianism to democracy. He said trust in democracy, in the people and in referendums is the true essence of democracy and represents the correct path. The status quo will not be altered regardless of the outcome of the January 12 and March 22 referendums, he said. In addition, the referendums do not contradict his "Four Noes" pledge made to the US government in the past. President Chen believes that the process of referendums will further democracy and broaden democratic values on Taiwan. This is cause for celebration and others should respect and encourage Taiwan's efforts in this regard, he said.
Congressmen Ortiz expressed his appreciation to President Chen for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with them. He said that he has made many visits to Taiwan since 1983 and he has a deep sense of the progress and development of democracy on Taiwan. He said that as a good friend of Taiwan, he will continue to do all he can to boost bilateral friendship. Congressman Chabot said that the Congressional Taiwan Caucus is both the largest and most active caucus on Capital Hill. He said this signifies the friendship of the American people to Taiwan. He added that after he returns to the United States, he will address the topic of the F16 C/D fighter jet deal and a free trade agreement, as mentioned by President Chen. Regarding Taiwan's upcoming referendums, Congressman Chabot said that the world should listen to the voice of the Taiwan people. Moreover, Taiwan's democracy can serve as a model for China. Only the people of Taiwan can decide their own future, he said.