Pelosi: 'President Bush Must Not Abandon U.S. Commitment to Democracy, Including in Taiwan'

December 10, 2003

Washington, D.C. -- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on President Bush's opposition to a possible referendum in Taiwan on demanding removal of Chinese missiles pointed at Taiwan:

"By rebuking President Chen Shui-bian of Taiwan for advocating the most basic of democratic values -- the right of a free people to express their views by voting -- President Bush badly damaged the tradition of the United States of standing with those who want democracy and freedom.

"Of course, President Bush is correct that China should play a responsible role in world affairs. Unfortunately, when China has not done so over the years, on issues such as human rights, international trade, and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction technologies, the United States has looked the other way. The Administration must not offer China's cooperation on North Korea as an excuse to abandon our commitment to democracy throughout the world, including in Taiwan.

"I urge the President to consider carefully the effect of his words on the example the United States sets for the world and to make a new statement that is consistent with American values."

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