Saying good-bye

This month, C.J. Chen retires as representative of Taiwan in the United States. He is the ambassador of Taiwan in all but name; he has succeeded in sustaining the delicate balance the United States has struck with the “One China” policy. His career spans an historic period in the Taiwan-U.S.-China relationship. It is worth examining — to appreciate, admire and learn from — a diplomat who has contributed so greatly to peace and freedom.

When Mr. Chen arrived in Washington in the 1970s, talks between the United States and the People’s Republic of China were heating up. Then-President Nixon opened the door to normalized relations with Beijing when he visited China in 1972, and it was just a matter of time until recognition of the PRC modified the basis of our relations with Taiwan.

Representative Chen has been a stalwart custodian of those relations. With consummate skill as a diplomat and statesman, he has weathered controversial events of enormous consequence, from the passage of the Taiwan Relations Act and the tragedy of Tiananmen Square, to the controversy over Taiwan’s recent referendum and Beijing’s aggressive missile policy.

Mr. Chen has helped Taiwan rebuke the claim that Asian societies cannot accommodatepolitical democracy and free markets. He has seen his small country develop into a lively democracy and an economic powerhouse.

When C.J. Chen delivered Taiwan’s message of cooperation and humanitarian assistance in Iraq and Afghanistan, he affirmed Taiwan’s friendship with the United States and its commitment to freedom. When he secured the aid of the United States in gaining Taiwan’s membership in the international organizations that sustain dialogue among nations, he affirmed Taiwan’s desire to be a constructive contributor to the world community.

The Taiwanese people suffered during the SARS outbreak, but Taiwanese doctors rose to the challenge and successfully contained the outbreak. Mr. Chen showed the world his people have a right to seek help and to give it, and that access to health care should transcend political ideology. When the doors to the World Health Organization are opened for Taiwan, it will be remembered that Mr. Chen moved us toward that goal.

Today, Taiwan is a force among the world’s free-market economies and a bastion of democracy. Mr. Chen deserves credit for those accomplishments. He has the gratitude of the people of Taiwan and the appreciation of the United States. His skill, his insight, his humility and his humor have made the world more free and more safe.

Congress and the American people remain unequivocally committed in their support for the people of Taiwan.The Taiwanese should be praised for their continued commitment to freedom, human rights and democracy. Through the tireless efforts of Mr. Chen, Taiwan will continue to shine as a beacon of democracy and freedom.

Reps. Sherrod Brown, Ohio Democrat,andSteve Chabot, Ohio Republican, are co-chairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus.