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The Election of Chen Shui-bian and Its Impact on US Policy toward Taiwan

By Dennis V. Hickey

Paper Delivered at the 42nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Chinese Studies, University of San Fancisco, October 27-29, 2000 

The Republic of China (ROC or Taiwan) enters the new millennium as an economic powerhouse and one of the world’s fledgling democracies.  In fact, Taiwan is now described officially by the US Department of State as a “multi-party democracy.”  In March, 2000, the island elected a new president—the first opposition candidate to win the office of the presidency in the history of the ROC.  It is clear that momentous changes have come to Taiwan.  However, dramatic transformations in Washington’s relations with Taipei have not  accompanied these changes.

I.  US POLICY TOWARD TAIWAN

On December 15, 1978, the US announced the establishment of full diplomatic relations with the PRC, to become effective January 1, 1979.  In order to achieve normalization, Washington acquiesced to Beijing's three long-standing demands: (1) termination of formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan; (2) removal of all US troops from Taiwan and (3) abrogation of the 1954 US-ROC Mutual Defense Treaty.  However, the US continues to play a critical role in the island's defense.  American military equipment, technological assistance, and an informal or tacit alliance augment Taiwan's security.

Since 1979, American policy toward Taiwan has been guided by the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) and three US-PRC Joint Communiqués:  (1) the 1972 Shanghai Communiqué; (2) the 1979 Normalization Communiqué and (3) the August 17, 1982 US-China Joint Communiqué.  The TRA provides a legal framework for America's commercial and cultural relations with Taiwan.  It also outlines the terms of Washington's "unofficial" governmental relations with Taiwan and includes provisions for its defense.  In the communiqués, the US recognizes the PRC as the legitimate government of China and acknowledges Beijing's position that there is only one China and Taiwan is a part of it.<1>  Washington also promises not to pursue a policy of "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan" and stresses that the resolution of the Taiwan issue is a matter for the Chinese themselves to decide peacefully.  This final point, namely no US support for Taiwan's de jure independence from China, was publicly reiterated by President Clinton during his June 1998 visit to the PRC.<2> Beijing has long threatened to invade the island if it moves too close to independence from China.

The US security commitment to Taiwan is outlined principally in Sections 2 and 3 of the TRA.  Section 2 (b) states:

It is the policy of the United States . . . to consider any effort to determine the future of Taiwan by other than peaceful means, including by boycotts or embargoes, a threat to the peace and security of the Western Pacific area and of grave concern to the United States; to provide Taiwan with arms of a defensive character; and to maintain the capacity of the United States to resist any resort to force or other forms of coercion that would jeopardize the security, or the social or economic system, of the people on Taiwan.

In terms of American arms sales to Taiwan, the most pertinent passages of the TRA are to be found in Section 3:

  (a) In furtherance of the policy set forth in section 2 of this Act, the United States will make available to Taiwan such defense articles and defense services in such quantity as may be necessary to enable Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability.

(b) The President and Congress shall determine the nature and quantity of such defense articles and services based solely upon their judgement of the needs of Taiwan, in accordance with procedures established by law. Such determination of Taiwan's defense needs shall include review by the United States military authorities in connection with recommendations to the President and Congress.
Should the security or the social or economic system of Taiwan be threatened, Section 3 also states that "the President is directed to inform the Congress promptly . . . . (and) the President and the Congress shall determine in accordance with constitutional processes, appropriate action by the United States in response to any such danger."

In addition to the TRA, critical elements of US policy toward Taiwan may be found in the three US-PRC Joint Communiqués.  In the 1972 Shanghai Communiqué—a document that helped pave the way for eventual normalization of US-PRC relations—Washington reaffirmed "its interest in a peaceful settlement of the Taiwan question."  In the 1979 Normalization Communiqué, Washington also stressed that "the United States continues to have an interest in the peaceful resolution of the Taiwan issue and expects that the Taiwan issue will be settled peacefully by the Chinese themselves.” In the August 17, 1982 US-China Joint Communiqué, American authorities once again emphasized that Beijing must "strive for a peaceful resolution of the Taiwan question."  In the same agreement, however, the US promised to eschew long-term arms sales to Taiwan and to keep sales from exceeding either the quality or quantity of arms sold to Taiwan after the US established relations with the PRC.  This document also apparently committed the US to reduce its arms sales to Taiwan gradually.<3>

US policy toward Taiwan is both ambiguous and contradictory.  For example, the TRA warns that the US would consider any hostile actions directed against Taiwan as "a threat to the peace and security of the Western Pacific area and of grave concern to the US."  But Washington is not committed to Taiwan's defense.  As Douglas Paal, a former senior National Security aide observed, "there's no such thing as an ironclad commitment. . . the belief that the US will send [aircraft] carriers any time the People's Republic puts pressure on Taiwan depends on Taiwan's behavior."<4> Furthermore, in the August 17, 1982 US-China Joint Communiqué, Washington promised to reduce its arms transfers to Taiwan.  But since 1982, Washington has sold F-16 warplanes, Hawkeye E-2T early warning aircraft, MK-46 torpedoes, M60A3 tanks, Knox-class frigates, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, Stinger Missiles and a derivative of the Patriot missile air defense system to Taiwan.  Washington steadfastly refuses to accede to Beijing's demands that these arms sales be curbed.<5>

Despite the ambiguities associated with US policy, the Clinton administration has long insisted that it "has no plans to revise the TRA or to alter our long-standing policy on arms sales [to Taiwan]."<6> Officials contend that US-Taiwan relations have thrived under the present arrangement and oppose recent congressional initiatives to bolster security ties with the island.  As Susan L Shirk, Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, observed, America's "unofficial relations with the people on Taiwan are more robust and stronger than ever."<7>

II.  THE ELECTION OF CHEN SHUI-BIAN

On March 18, 2000, Taiwanese voters went to the polls to elect the tenth president of the Republic of China.  The election was significant in several respects.  First, it marked only the second time that the ROC had conducted a direct presidential election.  By most accounts, the election was free and fair.  Moreover, it was the first time that a candidate outside the ruling Kuomintang (KMT) had been elected president of the country.  Finally, like the 1996 presidential contest, it showed that the Taiwanese electorate will not yield meekly to threats or intimidation from Beijing.  Once again, the voters chose a presidential candidate who appeared to be despised by authorities in mainland China—Chen Shui-bian.

The son of a poor farmer and leader of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), a party that supports Taiwan’s de jure independence from China, Chen received only 39 percent of the vote (see Table I).    In other words, he did not receive a strong mandate from the island’s voters.  But many analysts believe that it is unlikely that the independence issue played a critical role in the election.  The chief issue during the campaign was corruption or what the Taiwanese press describes as “black gold.”  During the late 1990s, Chen had served as an efficient, popular and incorruptible mayor of Taipei.  Taipei’s remarkable metamorphosis from a dirty and congested city into a world-class metropolis may be traced largely to his administration.   As James Lilley, former US Ambassador to China, observed, “he won because he was anti-corruption.”<8>

Table 1:  Outcome of Taiwan’s 2000 Presidential Election


Candidate Political Party Percent of Popular Vote
Chen Shui-bian DPP 39
James Soong Independent 37
Lien Chan KMT 23
Source:  Michael Hirsh, Russel Watson, Melinda Liu, Brook Lamer and Mahlon Meyer, “Pointing to Trouble,” Newsweek, March 27, 2000, p.38 in Lexis/Nexis. 

During much of the presidential campaign, Chen appeared to make an effort to avoid provoking the PRC.  In fact, he made several goodwill gestures to the mainland.   For example, Chen indicated that he would be willing to go to China for talks with PRC leaders and/or invite mainland leaders to visit Taiwan.   Perhaps most notable, however, he seemed to soften his position toward Taiwan’s independence and said that he would support an island-wide referendum on the issue only if China attacked.   Nevertheless, only three days before the election, Chen responded to saber-rattling in Beijing by declaring that “Taiwan is an independent, sovereign country.”<9>

Following his election, Chen continued to tone-down his pro-independence rhetoric.  Perhaps most significant was his inaugural address on May 20, 2000.  In the speech, the new president referred to himself as the president of the Republic of China (not Republic of Taiwan as some feared he might) and outlined what has become known as the “Five No’s.”  Chen proclaimed that, as long as the PRC did not use military force against Taiwan:

· he will not declare Taiwan independent of China; 

· he will not support changing the national title of the Republic of China; 

· he will not push for the inclusion of Lee Teng-hui’s “state-to-state” description in the ROC Constitution;

· he will not promote an island-wide referendum on the island’s status and

· he will not abolish the National Reunification Council or the National Reunification Guidelines.

Chen’s inaugural address was received enthusiastically in Taiwan.  Public opinion polls revealed that almost 80 percent of Taiwan’s populace was satisfied with the content of the speech, while roughly 63 percent believed it expressed “goodwill” toward the PRC.<10> In the US, analysts described Chen’s address as “a significant effort to accommodate the United States and reach out to Beijing.”<11> Ambassador Lilley described it simply as “brilliant.”<12> Indeed, the speech was so conciliatory toward Beijing (and Washington) that some suspected that it had been drafted by the AIT (US officials strongly denied news reports that Washington had sought to influence the content of Chen’s inaugural address).<13> In the PRC, Chen’s address was met with guarded optimism.  Chinese authorities reiterated the position that they would judge the new Taiwan leader by “deeds, not just words.”

Since his inaugural address, Chen Shui-bian has continued to seek to alleviate fears that he will inch the island closer and closer to war with China.   He has endorsed the PRC’s bid to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) and abided by strict American guidelines while visiting Los Angeles en route to Central America.  However, the new president also has insisted that reunification with mainland China is only one of several options available to Taiwan. In other words, he will not forswear Taiwan independence. 

III. US POLICY AND THE NEW TAIWAN

Taiwan’s 2000 presidential election constitutes a major shift in East Asian politics.  The results could hold serious repercussions for Taipei, Washington and Beijing and for peace and stability in the Western Pacific.  However, as Douglas Paal, a former official in the US Department of Defense, observed,  “Washington was not ready for Mr. Chen’s victory.”<14> Some even suspect that the Clinton Administration had privately hoped that either Lien or Soong—or for that matter almost anyone except Chen—be elected president of the ROC.

It is clear that things have changed in Taiwan.  In 1987, Chiang Ching-kuo, the late president of the ROC, lifted martial law.  Since that time, opposition parties have formed, restrictions on the press have been lifted, the provincial government has been “downsized” and the nation’s legislative bodies have been revitalized.  Perhaps most significant, a member of an opposition party, a party that favors independence from China, now occupies the office of the presidency.  Despite these remarkable changes, however, Washington has made very few adjustments in its relationship with Taipei.

To be sure, the US has made some changes in its policy toward Taiwan since the mid-1980s.  For example, despite pledges to curb arms sales, Washington has transferred a wide variety of sophisticated military equipment to the island.  Some of these sales appear to violate, if not abrogate, the August 17, 1982 US-China Joint Communiqué. <15>Moreover, Washington has agreed to lift some restrictions on its relationship with Taiwan.  As a result of a comprehensive 1994 inter-agency review, Taiwan authorities now may make transit stopovers in the US, high ranking US officials may visit Taiwan and Taiwan’s unofficial embassy may use a designation that gives some hint of the country it represents.  Thus far, however, the US has made no significant modifications in policy as a result of the election of Chen Shui-bian.

Upon learning of Chen Shui-bian’s victory, President Bill Clinton proclaimed that “the election provides a fresh opportunity for both sides (of the Taiwan Strait) to reach out and resolve their differences peacefully through dialogue.”<16> The President then dispatched Lee Hamilton, a special “unofficial” envoy, to Taiwan in the hope that he could dissuade Chen from doing anything that might be construed as provocative by mainland China.  These moves appear to have set the tone for Washington’s approach toward Taiwan in the post-election period.

It is the Clinton Administration’s position that US policy toward Taiwan has not changed and will not change as a result of the 2000 election.  For example, when commenting on the election, Stanley Roth, Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, emphasized that “three principles” remain the foundation of the US position toward Taiwan and China:

· Our “one China” policy is unchanged;

· We have an abiding interest that there be a peaceful approach by both sides to resolving differences and 

· We support dialogue between the two sides of the strait as the best way for differences to be resolved.<17>

Madeleine Albright, US Secretary of State, also has stressed that, during discussions with Chinese leaders, “we made very clear our usual policy that we have enunciated now, so many times, about a `one China’ and the `three no’s,’ and various other principles upon which the relationship is based, and the importance that we attach to having a peaceful cross-strait dialogue.”<18> Indeed, lest there be any misunderstanding on this issue, when asked directly by members of the press whether the US still subscribed to the “one China” policy, a State Department official replied simply, “mm-hmm.”<19>

Just as US policy toward Taiwan’s international status and/or future remains constant, there is no change in policy toward the island’s security. Washington continues to stress that it supports a peaceful resolution of the Taiwan issue.  Moreover, arms sales appear not to have been affected by the election—a development that has been warmly welcomed by Chen Shui-bian.<20> In the aftermath of the election, the US has approved two major arms sales to the island.  In June, 2000, Washington announced a sale valued at US $320 million and in September, 2000, the Pentagon revealed that it plans a series of arms sales valued at roughly US $1.3 billion.<21>

In some minor respects, American policy does appear to have been influenced by recent developments in Taiwan.  There now seems to be a new sense of urgency attached to Washington’s calls for cross-strait dialogue.  William Cohen, US Secretary of Defense, has warned PRC authorities “the chances are that over time this (cross-strait negotiations) will become more difficult, not less difficult, given the politics in the countries concerned.”<22> Officials call on Beijing “to change its frame of reference” and argue that “old approaches and old rhetoric must be put aside.  Success will require positive efforts, flexibility and creativity.”<23> Ironically, the election also served to energize the administration’s long-standing drive for permanent normal trading relations (PNTR) for the PRC.  Sandy Berger, National Security Adviser, explained that, when coupled with the surprising election of Chen Shui-bian in Taiwan, a Congressional defeat of PNTR would unleash “darker forces in China.”<24> Secretary Cohen described PNTR simply as a “strategic necessity” in the new environment.<25> 

 IV.  CALLS FOR CHANGE IN U.S. POLICY TOWARD TAIWAN

As Taiwan evolves into a multiparty democracy—perhaps the liveliest democracy in East Asia—an increasing number of individuals contend that it is time for Washington to chart a new direction in its relationship with Taipei.  As Kurt Campbell, then Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, observed, it now appears as if there is “a whole cottage industry on the outside of government that is looking at other ways to consider the situation across the Taiwan Straits.”<26> This “industry” received a significant boost following the election of Chen Shui-bian.  Several proposed changes in policy are discussed briefly below.

Jettison the `One China’ Policy

The Republic of China exercises predominant authority within its borders, possesses a relatively stable population that owes its allegiance to the ROC government, maintains formal diplomatic ties with roughly thirty of its "little friends" and strong "unofficial" links with many others.  Therefore, it is obvious that the ROC does exist and meets all the requirements of statehood.  Bau Tzong-Ho, then chair of the Political Science Department at Taipei's prestigious National Taiwan University, explains:

The problem is that the ROC never lost its conditions as a sovereign state even if the territory of it shrunk after 1949. The ROC continues to maintain its territory, people, government and ability to deal with foreign countries. In other words, the existence of the ROC is a political reality.<27>

All other arguments to the contrary, including the PRC’s suggestion that the ROC cannot exist because it is no longer a member of the UN, are flawed.  According to this logic, the PRC has existed only since 1971 (when it gained admission to the UN) and Switzerland has never existed.

Some prominent US officials are calling on Washington to abandon the fiction that there is only one China. It is their view that Taiwan has evolved peacefully into a democratic and free Chinese state that is quite independent and distinct from mainland China.  Representative Tom DeLay (Republican-Texas) argues that the time has arrived for the US to “jettison” its one China policy and accept that “there are, in fact, two Chinese states.”<28> Other officials and members of the academic community in both the US and Taiwan share this view. For example, Dr. Paris Chang, DPP legislator and a former educator at Pennsylvania State University, also has expressed the hope that the US will “discard the `one China’ notion.”<29>

Abandon Strategic Ambiguity

As described, America has long maintained a close security relationship with Taiwan.  However, it is not committed to the island’s defense.  The Taiwan Relations Act provides decision-makers only with an option to defend the island.  It is not a treaty.

Calls for the US to provide Taiwan with an iron-clad security guarantee became commonplace after China initiated its provocative “missile tests” off the island’s coastline in 1995 and 1996.  Some lawmakers seemed surprised to learn that a US response to hostilities across the Taiwan Strait was not a certainty.

Recent efforts to pass the so-called Taiwan Security Enhancement Act (TSEA) may be traced, in part, to an attempt to remove some of the ambiguity from the US-Taiwan security dyad.  This drive to achieve greater clarity in American policy has received another boost with Taiwan’s 2000 presidential election.  Again, Representative DeLay has been at the forefront of this campaign.  DeLay contends that “China would not attack Taiwan if this administration, in no uncertain terms, had let China know that we would not tolerate it and we would stand by the democratic free market country.”<30>

Upgrade Relations with Taiwan

Like many other countries, America maintains a curious relationship with Taiwan.  The president of this democratic state is strongly discouraged from visiting the US.  Until 1994, the name of the “unofficial” Taiwanese embassy and its numerous consulates provided no hint as to the identity of the government they represented (for over one decade, the Taiwanese were forced to use the designation “Coordination Council for North American Affairs).  US officials are prohibited from referring to Taiwan by its official name (the CIA’s World Factbook contends that it has no official name) and its flag cannot be flown at official functions.  Some believe that it is time for such nonsense to stop.

Not surprisingly, many Taiwanese are surprised and disappointed that the US appears not to recognize or reward the island for its democratic transformation.  As one government official lamented, “ten years ago, when our government was still authoritarian, I could understand why the international community didn’t help us, but now we are a shining example of democracy, a beacon for China.  Why do people turn against us?”<31>

Stephen Yates, a foreign policy analyst at the Heritage Foundation, is only one of a growing number of voices in Washington who are calling on the Clinton Administration to treat Taiwan with more dignity and respect.  For example, Yates claims that the US should acknowledge the island’s “democratic success” and “remove onerous restrictions on activities of Taiwan officials in the US.”<32> He also contends that the administration should more actively support Taiwan’s participation in the UN and other international governmental organizations.  A majority of American lawmakers share this view.

Help Taipei and Beijing Improve Relations

According to long-standing US policy, the resolution of the future status of Taiwan is a matter that “the Chinese must settle peacefully by themselves.”  In recent years, a new element has been interjected into this position.  American officials now emphasize that any settlement must be acceptable to the Taiwanese people. However, the US still refuses to broker a settlement or otherwise take part in cross-strait negotiations.

Some contend that the US could do more to promote a rapprochement between Taipei and Beijing.  Since the election of Chen Shui-bian, these calls have accelerated.  Perhaps most significant, Annette Lu, Taiwan’s Vice President, has requested that the US become more involved in promoting peace and stability across the strait.  During an interview conducted in April, 2000, Lu asked, “the US has been talking about peace talks between China and Taiwan for a long time;  why not invite both leaders to meet in front of the White House for talks?”<33> Other Taiwanese officials have made similar statements. 

Summary

The discussion above outlines only several of the most recent proposals calling for modifications in US policy toward Taiwan.  A more complete analysis would include other proposals as well.  Thus far, however, the Clinton Administration has resisted all calls for a change in policy.  In fact, it is unlikely that either candidate for US president will change American policy in any meaningful way.   Both the Democratic and Republican parties remain committed to the “one China” principle, and their respective platforms do not endorse a major shift in policy. For example, when discussing Washington’s relations with Beijing and Taipei, Condoleezza Rice, George W. Bush’s chief foreign policy adviser, observed that “the US has a very big interest in continuing the [China] policy that has served everyone well.  No one changes the status quo.”<34> This might help explain why Chen Shui-bian has suggested that “no matter which party wins the November US presidential election, there will be no drastic changes in the US policy toward Taiwan.”<35>

IV. CONCLUSION

The outcome of Taiwan’s 2000 presidential election stunned observers in Taipei, Beijing and Washington.  Following the election, the US has accelerated calls for the PRC to adopt a new, flexible approach toward Taiwan.  In fact, it has called on both Taipei and Beijing to become more flexible and drop the old, anachronistic policies of the past.  Ironically, however, there appears to be no flexibility or change in America’s policy toward the Taiwan question.

The US should not jettison its long-standing “one China” policy or abandon the policy of strategic ambiguity toward Taiwan’s defense.  It is likely that any move of this caliber would provoke a highly negative reaction from the PRC and jeopardize peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.  However, it is clear that the time has arrived for Washington to revisit the issue of whether there is more it could do to promote cross-strait dialogue and negotiations.

The US Department of State insists that it will not do more to promote discussions between Taipei and Beijing because “neither side had ever asked the US to mediate or engage in any other active role.”<36> This is incorrect.  Taiwan officials are now calling on Washington to do more—perhaps even host a cross-strait peace summit.  Moreover, PRC officials have long suggested that the US could do more to promote a resolution of the Taiwan issue.   Throughout the 1980s, the late Deng Xiaoping called on Washington “to do something useful [to bring] about Taiwan’s reunification.”<37> Deng claimed it was ridiculous for American officials to claim not be involved in cross-strait relations as “the fact is that the US has been involved all along.”

It certainly is not in America’s best interest to coerce Taipei or Beijing into a settlement of the Taiwan question.  And the US should avoid becoming entangled in complex and drawn out negotiations aimed at a settlement of the issue.  At the same time, however, the time may have finally arrived for Washington to follow its own advice and show some flexibility and “new thinking” in matters relating to Taiwan.  Studying Vice President Lu’s proposal—the call for Washington to host a ROC-PRC summit—might be a step in the right direction. 

Note:

1.The word "acknowledge" was deliberately chosen as it indicates cognizance of, but not necessarily agreement with, the Chinese position.

2.Clinton reiterated the US position that "we don't support independence for Taiwan, or `two Chinas,' or `one Taiwan, one China,' and we don't believe Taiwan should be a member in any organization for which statehood is a requirement."  See Jasper Becker, "Vagueness on Taiwan Policy Abandoned," South China Morning Post, July 1, 1998 in Lexis/Nexis.

3.For a complete discussion of the document's meaning, see Dennis Van Vranken Hickey, United States-Taiwan Security Ties:  From Cold War to Beyond Containment (Westport, CN:  Praeger, 1994).

4.See Barbara Opall, "US, Taiwanese Opposition Chart Collision Course," Defense News, Volume 13, Number 12, March 23-29, 1998, p.34.

5.President Clinton defends the US position on arms transfers by stating that "our policy is that weapons sales to Taiwan are for defensive purposes only." See, Fong Tak-ho, "Visitor with `Friendly Smile' has the Answers," Hong Kong Standard June 30, 1998 in Lexis/Nexis.

6.The United States and Taiwan, Testimony of Susan L. Shirk.

7.The United States and Taiwan, testimony of Susan L. Shirk, Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, US Department of State, before the House International Relations Committee, Washington, D.C., May 20, 1998 on the world wide web at http:/www.state.gov/www/policy_ remarks/1998/980520_shirk_taiwan. html. 

 8.Bay Fang, “Taiwan Shows What Democracy Can Do,” US News and World Report, April 3, 2000, p.13 in Lexis/Nexis. 

9.Michael Hirsh, Russel Watson, Melinda Liu, Brook Lamer and Mahlon Meyer, “Pointing to Trouble,” Newsweek, March 27, 2000, p.38 in Lexis/Nexis

10.See “78% Satisfied with Chen’s Inaugural Address, Liberty Times (Taipei), May 22, 2000 in Taiwan Headlines on the world wide web at http://th.gio.gov.tw /show.cfm?news_id=350.

11.See Stephen J. Yates, “Better US Treatment of Taiwan,” Heritage Foundation Executive Memorandum, Number 694, September 11, 2000, p.1.

12.See Sangwon Suh and Allen T. Cheng, “A Flash of Hope,” Asiaweek, June 2, 2000, p.24 in Lexis/Nexis.

13.According to some accounts, Raymond Burghardt, Chief of the AIT’s Taipei office, had met with Chen many times and helped influence his inaugural speech. See, “AIT Head Denies Role in Drafting of Chen’s Inaugural Speech,” Central News Agency, May 13, 2000, in Lexis/Nexis.

14.Douglas H. Paal, “Turbulence Ahead in the Beijing-Taipei-Washington Triangle,” International Herald Tribune, April 12, 2000, p.8 in Lexis/Nexis.
15.At the time, Professor A Doak Barnett of Johns Hopkins University, observed that the sale of 150 upgraded F-16A/B fighters to Taiwan amounted to “the abrogation of the communique.” See Don Oberdorfer, “US Decries China’s Sale of Reactor, But Clears the Way for Satellite Deal,” Washington Post, September 12, 1992, p.A13. 

16.John Tkacik, “Fraying Nationalists Offer Taiwan’s New President Greatest Challenge,” China Online, March 20, 2000, in Lexis/Nexis.

17.Stanley O. Roth, “The United States’ Asia Policy:  A National Agenda,” Presentation to the Council of American Ambassadors, Los Angeles, California, April 4, 2000 on the world wide web at http://www.state.gov/www/policy_remarks/ 2000/000404_roth _easia.htm.

18.Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright, Press Conference, China World Hotel, Beijing China, June 22, 2000 on the world wide web at http://secretary.state.gov/www /statements /2000 /000622.html.

19.Phillip Reeker, Daily Press Briefing, US Department of State, May 23, 2000 on the world wide web at http://secretary.state.gov/www/briefings0005/000523db.html

20.See Deborah Kuo, “Chen Shui-bian Calls on US to Continue Arms Sales to Taiwan,” Central News Agency, July 11, 2000 in World News Connection on the world wide web athttp://wnc.fedworld.gov/region.html, 7/13/00

21.See “Pentagon Approves Arms Sales to Taiwan,” Associated Press, September 29, 2000 in Taiwan Security Research on the world wide web at http://www. taiwansecurity.org/

22.Jim Mannion, “Cohen Presses China’s Leadership to Open Dialogue with Taiwan,”  Agence France Presse, July 14, 2000 in Lexis/Nexis.

23.Susan Shirk, Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Luncheon Discussion on the Impact of WTO Entry for Taiwan and China, US-ROC Business Council Seminar on Issues Facing Taiwan’s New Cabinet, Washington, D.C., May 12, 2000 on the world wide web at http://www.state.gov/www/policy_ remarks/2000/000512_shirk_china.html.

24.Jim Hoagland, “Taiwan: Shaking Up the Strait,” Washington Post, April 27, 2000, p.A27 in Lexis/Nexis.

25.See Jim Mannion, “Cohen Presses China’s Leadership to Open Dialogue with Taiwan.”

26.See Testimony of Kurt Campbell, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, in Hearing on the Direction of US-Taiwan Relations,  Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific of the House International Relations Committee, May 20, 1998 in Federal Document Clearing House Political Transcripts in Lexis/Nexis
27.Bau Tzong-Ho, Cross-Strait Relations from the Perspective of the Republic of China, July, 1998, in Taiwan Security Research on the world wide web at http://www.taiwansecurity.org/TS-Bau-2-htm
28.Richard N. Haass, “Digging for a China Policy,” IntellectualCapital.Com, March 23, 2000 on the world wide web at http://www.brook.edu/views/op%2Ded/haass/20000323.htm.

29.Nelson Chung, “Taiwan Legislator Hopes US Reviews Taiwan Policy,” Central News Agency, August 5, 2000 in World News Connection on world wide web at http://wnc.fedworld.gov/region.html.

30.“US Congressman Urges `Tough’ China Policy to Support Taiwan,” AFX News Limited, March 19, 2000 in Lexis/Nexis.

31.“Walking a Tightrope,” Newsweek (Pacific Edition), April 24, 2000, p.58 in Lexis/Nexis.

32.See Stephen J. Yates, “Better Treatment of Taiwan,” p.1.

33.See, “Walking a Tightrope.”

34.See Steven Mufson, “In GOP, A Simmering Struggle on China Policy,” Washington Post, August 22, 2000 in Lexis/Nexis]

 35.Huang Kuei-mei and Sofia Wu, “ROC Still Hopes to Acquire Aegis-Class Warships.” Central News Agency, September 4, 2000 on the world wide web at http://www.taipei.org/ teco/cicc/news/english/e-09-04-00/e-09-04-00-9.htm.

 36.See, “US Declines Mediating Role,” United Daily News (Taipei), May 16, 2000 in Taiwan
Headlines  

37.See, Dennis Van Vranken Hickey, “America’s Two Point Policy and the Future of Taiwan,” Asian Survey, Volume XXVIII, Number 8, August, 1988, p.888.

 

Dennis V. Hickey is Professor of Political Science, University Fellow in Research and Director of the Graduate Program in International Affairs and Administration at Southwest Missouri State University.  His new book, East Asian Armies:  Japan, China, Taiwan and the Koreas, will be published by Lynn Rienner Publishers in early 2001.