BETTER U.S. TREATMENT OF TAIWAN --- By STEPHEN J. YATES

BETTER U.S. TREATMENT OF TAIWAN --- By STEPHEN J. YATES

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--- By STEPHEN J. YATES

September 11, 2000 ---
Taiwan, long a special case when it comes to U.S. foreign policy, deserves better treatment at the hands of the Clinton Administration. Though its government is not officially recognized by the United States, a far-reaching U.S. law--the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act--calls for maintaining extensive legal, commercial, and defense relations with the people of Taiwan. Under these unique circumstances, Taipei has made the most of "unofficial" relations with Washington and a very positive contribution to the advancement of U.S. interests in Asia.

Taiwan's new president, Chen Shui-bian, made a significant effort to accommodate the United States and to reach out to Beijing after his election. He proclaimed that he would not declare independence unless Taiwan were attacked, and he called for normalization of economic relations. He endorsed Beijing's membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO), boosting the likelihood of its receiving permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status from the U.S. Congress, and abided by strict State Department guidelines while visiting the United States.

On August 13, President Chen arrived in Los Angeles for a one-night stopover on his way to the Dominican Republic. In exchange for his transit visa, the State Department "requested" that Chen not engage in any public activity or meet with any public officials during his stay. Chen was even pressured into canceling a private meeting at a private home simply because some Members of Congress planned to attend. Although the State Department said that the restrictions on Chen's activity were consistent with the unofficial nature of U.S.-Taiwan relations and the private nature of his transit, they were a clear example of the Administration's willingness to offend American ideals to accommodate China's sensitivities.

For all the people of Taiwan have done to advance U.S. interests, it is time not only to challenge the legal and diplomatic basis for such restrictions, but for the Administration to treat Taiwan's leaders in a manner consistent with that nation's level of economic and political success.