we're failing every year. Every year we run a trade deficit.

I am also committed to upholding the letter and spirit of the Taiwan Relations Act, which has underpinned the relationship now for 37 years.

The clear message should be that the United States believes in the power of dialogue and we unequivocally support the right of the people of Taiwan to determine their own fate.

So please don't talk about trade ties. Talk about exports.

With the notable exception of our own State Department, every foreign ministry I have talked to--almost everyone--has said that their number-one goal is trade and exports.

I might point out, if we really cared about Taiwan's defense we would just amend the law that provided most favoured nation status to China and say this law is void if China takes military action against Taiwan, its ports and its shipping.

Now, this nuclear deal was not supposed to be a 'get out of jail free card' for everything that Iran does.

What has the State Department done? What have you personally done to create a circumstance where we are running a trade surplus with Taiwan?

The entire country has been captivated by ISIS. The beheadings on YouTube provoked us all. But the Shiite extremist alliance based in Tehran is more dangerous and more evil.

While the regime in Beijing is currently engaged in a concerted effort to restrict human rights, we look only at Taiwan as a country where democracy flourishes.

The United States has a strong interest in supporting the people of Taiwan and those interests are enshrined in the Taiwan Relations Act.

If five Embassies closed in Taipei from countries that many Taiwanese could not find on a map would that shake confidence?