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Guest Commentary: April 25, 2001
Taiwan Arms Sales
The Honorable Richard Gephardt (D-MO)
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I fully support providing Taiwan with assistance and equipment necessary for its self-defense. With the sizeable buildup of military forces on the mainland side of the Taiwan Strait, I have serious questions regarding the Bush Administration's decision not to provide destroyers equipped with advanced command and control systems to Taiwan.
China's military buildup and other provocative acts demonstrate that the U.S. must have a comprehensive, focused and consistent policy toward that nation. Part of such a policy is clearly assisting Taiwan. But it also includes asserting our own security priorities, especially in the aftermath of the Navy surveillance plane incident earlier this month.
I am disappointed that we have not yet secured an agreement from the Chinese for the return of our Navy surveillance aircraft. And I am concerned that we have not resumed surveillance flights in the region, if only to demonstrate our right to do so in international airspace.
Our policy must also include calling on China to respect international human rights standards. Over the past several weeks, China has detained a number of U.S. citizens and residents who have been pursuing scholarly work. I urge the Bush Administration to press forcefully for the release of these individuals and compliance with the rule of law. The recent release of our Navy air crew must not divert us from attention to these ongoing and troubling matters.
 How to contact Rep. Richard Gephardt (D-Missouri)
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