Congress responded with a string of pork barrel legislation
that claimed to defend Taiwan by allowing it buy American
weapons.
In early 1998 Tom Delay introduced the "Taiwan Security
Enhancement Act" in retaliation for Clinton's reaffirmation
in China that the USA says "no" to Taiwan independence.
Delay's bill maintains that the first defense need of Taiwan
is an "increase in technical staff of the American
Institute in Taiwan" to which the House and Senate
this year gave a blank
check for "enhancements" (see Section 211).
Tom Delay is a frequent traveler to Taiwan and has been treated
to all-expense paid trips for his wife and family by the Chinese
National Association of Industry and Commerce, whose chairman
is part of the Office of the President of the Republic of
China, Chen Shui-Bian.
Chen and Delay claim to be good friends. Chen visited Delay
in 2001 and was treated to Texas barbecue, boots, and an Astros
baseball game (photo above).
Delay also frequently travels with members of the Verner,
Liipfert, Bernhard, McPherson & Hand, law firm (based
in Washington, DC, their website -- www.verner.com -- is mysteriously
no longer active). Verner, Liipfert, et al, is a registered
foreign agent of Taiwan that provides "strategic
advice and counsel" on a range of issues including "regional
security matters in connection with the United States."
Tom Delay is just one in a long string of Republican and
Democratic Congressional leaders who act as a patsy for Taiwan.
During his Congressional leadership tensions in the Taiwan
Straits have risen dramatically. His ouster may temporarily
subdue the China Lobby but there is a long list of potential
successors. Just look at the Congressional
Taiwan Caucus for candidates.
©2005 Ben Calmes, Sinomania!
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