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Bernhard, McPherson & Hand, law firm (based in Washington, DC, their website -- www.verner.com -- is mysteriously no longer active).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!