U.S.-China Economic & Security Review Commission
Hearing on “China’s Military Modernization and the Cross-Strait Balance”
Room 1310, Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC
Let me join Chairman Robinson in welcoming everyone to what I believe is one of the critical areas the Commission has been asked by Congress to examine – the current cross-Strait military balance and the resulting political implications for the United States. The upcoming referendum vote in Taiwan and China’s rhetoric in response makes these issues as timely as ever.
It has become apparent that Washington wants to avoid friction with Beijing over Taiwan. In the midst of joint efforts on terrorism and the North Korean nuclear crisis, the U.S. is not keen on a political or other confrontation with China over cross-Strait developments. Nonetheless, the proposed Taiwan referendum over China’s military buildup across the Strait and China’s vociferous threats of retaliation make it necessary for the Executive Branch and Congress to be clear on where the U.S. stands with regard to its commitments to Taiwan.
The role of the Congress in the development of U.S.-Taiwan policy shouldn’t be underestimated. We believe it is important for this hearing to look at the level of consultation between the Executive Branch and Congress envisioned by the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) – the governing document of U.S.-Taiwan policy – and how such consultation has played out in the twenty-five years since its enactment.
The TRA calls for Congress to exercise a unique role vis-à-vis Taiwan. Congress is authorized to make specific determinations jointly with the President as to Taiwan’s defense needs and both the President and Congress are to determine appropriate action in the event there is any danger to U.S. interests arising from a threat to Taiwan.
Today we will examine both the specifics of China’s military modernization programs, the implications for Taiwan and U.S. cross-Strait policy, and the role of the TRA as the foundation for this policy. The time is ripe for better Congressional-Executive coordination in an area of U.S. foreign policy where the stakes are high and past communication has been low.