Formosa Foundation

Congressman Gary Ackerman--
Calls for More Clarity in U.S.-Taiwan Relations &
Supports Taiwan’s Participation in International Organizations

Upon becoming elected as a member of the House of Representatives, “Taiwan was the first country I visited,” Congressman Gary Ackerman (D-NY) told a group of largely Taiwanese Americans in Los Angeles on September 21st, 2008. As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and former Congressional delegate to the United Nations Ackerman said he has always felt a special connection with Taiwan.

In his 26 years of service in the House, Ackerman made many trips to Taiwan and each time “marveled at the progress Taiwan continues to make in regards to human rights and democracy.”  The Congressman has been vigilant in his efforts to support Taiwan and was one of a handful of members of Congress who attended the award ceremony honoring Taiwan President Chen in New York in 2003 when Chen was awarded the International Human Rights Award. Ackerman had also worked to make possible President Lee Tung-hui’s visit to Cornell University in 1995.

Ackerman told the audience that “the people of Taiwan increasingly and realistically see themselves as a separate entity.” During his speech Ackerman stressed the word “country” when describing Taiwan. The Congressman pointed out that he understands the need for Taiwan to have a voice in the United Nation and supports Taiwan’s efforts to obtain an observer status at the World Health Organization saying that “I have always supported, and will continue supporting Taiwan’s entrance to the WHO.” Ackerman underscored his message by pointing out the injustices faced by Taiwan, such as China’s actions to obstruct WHO experts from being sent to Taiwan during the SARS crisis.

Outlining his belief that Taiwan is an important player on the world stage, Ackerman said that “as such it deserves to be part of the international community.” He applauded Taiwan’s success in participation in APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation), and the WTO (World Trade Organization) and agreed that further participation of Taiwan in international organizations is necessary, such as the World Bank and the IMF (International Monetary Fund). 

Ackerman told the group that he “supports the lifting of any restrictions of high-level exchanges between Taiwanese and US officials.” He also stressed that bumps in US-Taiwan relations during in the past couple of years could have been avoided had better communications at a higher level taken place. “Friends need to speak frankly and candidly, to prevent disaster and to avoid miscalculation” Ackerman pointed out.

US policy toward Taiwan could improve with more clarity and less ambiguity was another focus of Congressman Ackerman’s presentation. He reiterated his long-time belief that the Taiwan Relations Act is the principle governing the relationship between the two countries, and that the US has a responsibility to provide for defense of Taiwan, and not with vague words such as “whatever it takes to help Taiwan defend itself.”

Ackerman concluded the speech by stating that Taiwan is a democracy, and decisions will need to be determined by its people, and that the people of Taiwan should never be coerced into a decision.

Congressman Ackerman addressed the Los Angeles group at the invitation of the Formosa Foundation. The event was co-hosted by the Formosa Foundation, Taiwan Center of Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles chapter of FAPA. The September 21 event was held at the Doubletree Hotel located at 888 Montebello Blvd.,Rosemead, California.

Ackerman is serving his 13th term in the House of Representative. He is a high ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and a former chairman and current member in the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment.

Ackerman has avidly denounced China’s “Anti-Secession” law. Ackerman supports the lifting of any restrictions of high-level exchanges between Taiwanese and U.S. officials. He encourages and has had contacts with high level officials such as the president of Taiwan. Ackerman is also a member of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus.