Dear Mr. Trent Lott,
        Mr. Denny Hastert,

Washington and Beijing have locked horns in a strategic struggle for the upper hand. In Asia, undermining efforts to build on a budding "strategic partnership" outlined in friendly summits in 1997 and 1998 and darkening the mood ahead of Premier Zhu Rongki's first visit to the United States. Both sides are adamant their security interests have been compromised.

On the other hand, that the important issue about Taiwan situation, should be pondered over military threat by Beijing government. Review of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), enacted by the U.S. Congress in April 1979, has contributed greatly to the maintenance of the ROC's security, while in the past the U.S. provided weapons only to countries with which it had diplomatic relations, the TRA stipulates that the U.S. should continue to supply Taiwan with arms to maintain its self-defense capability.

As we know that the five major points of the TRA as follows: the principle of continuity as insisted upon by then ROC President Chiang Ching-kuo, was reflected in the wording that "Congress approve the continuation in force of all treaties and other international agreements" signed by the U.S. and the ROC. "The principle of official treatment" also insisted upon by Chiang, was acknowledged although the U.S. began to use the name "Taiwan" instead of "the ROC government".

The ROC is a country with which the U.S. had diplomatic relations prior to Jan. 1, 1979. Whenever you mention a foreign country, that is Taiwan as mentioned in the TRA. Under the TRA, the ROC's property, owned by government or individuals, shall be protected from being taken over by mainland China. That was why (the former ROC embassy in the United States) Twin Oaks and large amount of bank deposits have been kept intact.

The TRA states that the security of the Taiwan area is a matter of great concern to the United States. The U.S. President is directed to inform Congress promptly of any military invasion or threat to Taiwan. The President and Congress shall also determine appropriate action in response to any such danger.

In this respect, despite the absence of a mutual defense treaty between the United States and Taiwan, the Security Commitment as enunciated by the TRA has become stronger than a mutual defense treaty. The TRA stipulates that U.S. will make available to Taiwan necessary defensive weapons and weapons systems, so as to enable Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capacity.

In our views; as about 85 percent of the U.S. Congress has been replaced by new faces in the past 20 years. It is important to let all congressmen understand the unique character of the U.S.-Taiwan relationship.

God be with you and very thanks for your help.