OPINION:
Kudos to the Senate and the House of Representatives for unanimously passing a bill Dec. 10 that authorizes the sale of four Perry-class frigates to Taiwan.
In recent years, the East and South China seas have been the settings for a series of alarming developments that have created real tension and the potential for conflict that easily could spill over into a broader regional conflict. U.S. allies in the region continue to be threatened by aggressive actions, and it is incumbent upon the United States to stand firm with allies to promote peaceful cooperation in the region.
Taiwan has made a request to purchase the Perry-class frigates from the United States in order to replace its aging fleet of Knox-class frigates. The move demonstrates Congress’ commitment to Taiwan’s security in line with the Taiwan Relations Act and shows congressional support for Taiwanese-U.S. ties. U.S. arms sales to Taiwan play an important role in Taiwan’s defense in the face of the military threat from China and help maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific.
The Taiwanese people would like to express their wholehearted appreciation of Congress’ continued assistance to Taiwan. The aid helps Taiwan stand firm in the strait, the East China Sea and the South China Sea, and helps it become an anchor in the west Pacific. The bill stresses the importance of maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait and of deepening U.S.-Taiwanese trade and security relations. This legislation will help strengthen the defense capability of Taiwan, with which the United States has an important partnership.
KENT WANG
Advisory commissioner for the Overseas Community Affairs Council of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in the United States
Potomac Falls, Virginia
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