Say NO to China, Say YES to Taiwan

Letter from Congressman Joe Barton (R-Tx)
To the public at the "Say NO to China, Say YES to Taiwan" rally.
Congress of the United States
House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515-4306

June 27, 1997

Taiwanese American Association
Dallas,  Texas

Dear Members:

   I am delighted to send my warmest greetings to all those
gathered in Dallas for the "Say NO to China, Say YES to
Taiwan" rally.

   As you know, this week Congress voted on whether to continue
Most Favored Nation status for China. Despite my opposition,
and the votes of 173 others, the House failed to pass legisla-
tion to take the very profitable MFN status away from the
Communist Chinese government.

   I have consistently fought for legislation to take MFN from
the People's Republic of China. As long as the Communist Chinese
government refuses to conduct its business honestly and respon-
sibly, we should not reward them with such profitable and desir-
able trade status.

   In these modern times, the Chinese government continues to
allow, and even encourage, the most archaic of human rights
violations.  They still refuse to prohibit slave labor.  They
torture their imprisoned citizens, and detain them without
charges or benefit of a trial.  They hunt down, imprison or
execute anyone who dares to dissent.  They continue to sell
weapons of mass destruction to terroristic nations.  And while
the other world powers have left the Cold War behind, China
continues to increase its lear arsenal.

   I am convinced that the Chinese government would not walk
away from the U.S. market access they desperately need.  I
believe that showing their leaders that we are serious about
our concerns, and will no longer tolerate the inexcusable human
rights violations they continue to allow, will result in a
positive shift in their behavior, both socially and economically.

   I have witnessed first-hand the positive example provided by
the social, economic, educational and cultural activities of the
Taiwanese-American community of Dallas-Fort Worth.  You are all
to be commended for your dedication to tradition and your contri-
butions to today's society.  I will continue to stand with Taiwan
and her citizens.

   You have my best wished for a successful and enjoyable rally.

                                                                   
        Sincerely,

        Joe Barton
        Member of Congress