Rick Allen: “for the past 54 years, Taiwan and the United States have been allies in the international arena, democratic partners and…”

“for the past 54 years, Taiwan and the United States have been allies in the international arena, democratic partners and friends. In times of need and turmoil, both countries have always come to each other's aid. In the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, Taiwan immediately offered help to Americans through the U.S. Government. In recent months, Taiwan has offered humanitarian aid to post-war Iraq. Today Taiwan is being threatened. Taiwan's planned referendum on March 20, 2004 has been called a move toward Taiwan independence. Some say it will push Taiwan to the ``abyss of war.'' Such rhetoric is a distortion of Taiwan's true intentions. In the face of an overwhelming military threat against Taiwan, Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian's peace referendum asks Taiwan voters whether they should buy more anti-missile weapons if the People's Republic of China refuses to withdraw its 496 missiles targeted at Taiwan and whether Taiwan should open up talks with the People's Republic of China about issues of peace. Taiwan's democratically elected president, President Chen, has made it clear that he continues to hold to the ``five no's'' of his inauguration speech, including the promise not to hold a plebiscite on the issue of Taiwanese independence. The referendum merely aims to avoid war, free its people from fear and maintain the status quo. Taiwan, our ally and friend, is a democracy. Its people have every right to hold their referendum this March 20.”