Arlen Specter: “During our very brief time in Hawaii, the delegation met with Admiral Dennis Blair, Commander in Chief of the U.S.…”

“During our very brief time in Hawaii, the delegation met with Admiral Dennis Blair, Commander in Chief of the U.S. Pacific Command. In preparation for our scheduled meetings with various Asian heads of state, Admiral Blair outlined U.S. preparedness and presence in the Asian Pacific region. In Taipei, following an extensive briefing from the American Institute of Taiwan Director Raymond Burghardt on the status of cross-Strait relations, the delegation met with Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian at the Presidential Palace on Monday, August 6, 2001. President Chen seemed genuinely pleased that Taiwan was the first stop on our delegation's multi-country jaunt, and recognized and appreciated the U.S. Congress's longstanding friendship with the Republic of China. The President discussed his efforts as Mayor of Taipei to improve cross-Strait relations, and stressed his resolve to continue down this path as President. He said he believed that he has made "good sincere gestures" to the People's Republic of China, but continues to be disappointed in what he sees as rebuffs of his efforts by Beijing.”