Two weeks ago, in the middle of his vacation in China, President Clinton stated publicly the "long standing: U.S. policy on Taiwan no independence, no membership in international organizations, no "two Chinas, or one China and one Taiwan." While this is far from "long standing," it has been Clintons policy for some time. Whether he did it for campaign contributions or out of sheer naivete is unclear and irrelevant. The policy is, in short, a disaster for the free, democratic Republic of China currently on Taiwan.
In effect, Bill Clinton told the Taiwanese people, "Drop Dead." He violated the Taiwanese peoples trust. He may have also violated the law.
The Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 makes clear the American legal obligation to:
In order to stave off forced reunification, Taiwan desperately need international recognition and participation in international bodies. Clinton has flatly ruled that out, despite the Taiwan Relations Act. Should Taiwan decide a declaration of independence is also necessary, the law states we must help. Yet Clinton has abandoned that commitment. Not only has he left Taiwan at the mercy of his "strategic partner;" he has flatly and baldly violated the law in the process.
In earlier times, a President who so easily violated the law would have resigned. Today, we can merely hope the threat of action scares Bill Clinton into doing the right thing. press the Administration to do what is right and obey the law on Taiwan, or face articles of impeachment. The American people must oppose the Administrations cowardly and criminal policy. Time is of the essence, lest the mainland Communists decide to use the green light they have been given and begin to squeeze Taiwan. The United States must defend her, not only because of American law but in the interests of democracy, free enterprise, and human decency. Together, we can protect Taiwan, and freedom, from all enemies, be they in Beijing, or the White House.