Matt Salmon: “since I lived in Taiwan in the 1970s, I have seen the Republic of China emerge as a leading economic and political force…”

“since I lived in Taiwan in the 1970s, I have seen the Republic of China emerge as a leading economic and political force throughout the world. The people of Taiwan have experienced unprecedented prosperity and freedom, liberties that we as Americans hold so dear. However, I am strongly opposed to this legislation. I just led a congressional delegation to China with five of my colleagues, a bipartisan delegation, where we personally met with President Jiang Zemin and President Lee Teng-hui. I discussed the importance of constructive engagement between the United States and China and also stressed the significance of continued dialogue between Mainland China and Taiwan. Specifically, I raised the issue of Mr. Song Yongyi, a Dickinson College librarian who was detained last August for allegedly trying to smuggle secret documents out of China. After discussing very openly and honestly the facts surrounding Mr. Song's case, I appealed to President Jiang for his release. On Friday, Mr. Song was released and returned to Pennsylvania where he was reunited with his wife. I greeted him Saturday at the airport in Philadelphia. I believe this gesture by the Chinese government speaks volumes. Mr. Song's release is testimony that engagement, not isolationism, is the best course of action for U.S.-Sino relations. While I know the intention of this legislation is to ease tensions and lessen ambiguity, I believe it will have the exact opposite effect.”