INHOFE CO-CHAIRS SENATE TAIWAN CAUCUS
 Senator Inhofe meeting with Dr. Joseph Chao-hsieh Wu, representative to the United States for Taiwan, as the new co-chair of the Senate Taiwan Caucus.
January 24, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator James M. Inhofe (R-Okla.) today met with Dr. Joseph Chao-hsieh Wu, representative to the United States for Taiwan, and announced that he is the new co-chair of the Senate Taiwan Caucus. Senator Inhofe is replacing former Senator Trent Lott (R-Miss.), and will serve alongside Senator Tim Johnson (D-S.D.) as co-chair of the caucus.
“For over half a century, a close relationship has existed between the United States and Taiwan, benefiting both countries politically, economically, culturally and strategically,” Senator Inhofe said. “Taiwan is one of the strongest democratic partners of the United States in the Asia-Pacific region and serves as a model of freedom and democracy.
“I support a Taiwan that is strong, both democratically and economically, as a strong Taiwan helps bolster peace and stability in this strategically important region. Furthermore, I believe Taiwan should possess a military capable of defending itself, and I support making available defense articles and services that may be necessary to maintain their self-defense capabilities, including the sale of the most advanced export version of our F-16 fighter aircraft.
“I fully support the inclusion of Taiwan as an active participant in international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Participation in these international organizations not only benefits Taiwan, but also the United States and the international community as a whole.
“In the 110th Congress, I co-sponsored a concurrent resolution (S.Con.Res.48) expressing the sense of Congress regarding high-level visits to the United States by democratically-elected officials of Taiwan. I fully support lifting all restrictions on these visits by high-level elected and appointed officials of Taiwan.
“I am honored to co-chair the Taiwan Caucus with Senator Tim Johnson and look forward to working with the newly elected leadership of Taiwan. I encourage the international community, including mainland China, to reach out to Taiwan in a meaningful way.”
Attached, please find a picture of the meeting between Senator Inhofe and Dr. Wu.
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