But some observers fear that once in, the PRC will attempt to block Taiwan's membership. That concern was expressed by some congressional leaders during Zoellick's confirmation hearing on January 30, 2001. Zoellick indicated that he expected the Bush administration to maintain that tough stance. So I feel very strongly that that's important for Taiwan and ultimately its relationships with Beijing, too. Zoellick's support for Taiwan in international trade organizations such as APEC and the WTO is consistent with his stance as an enthusiastic free trader.
Free trade is about freedom.
It's important for our economy but also for America's other interests and values throughout the world. I've always believed that openness is America's trump card. I and others will be listening to consumers, to workers, to business people, to farmers and to others to try to help them benefit and adjust to the openness in competition, try to open doors of opportunity for all of them, as well. In conjunction with his trade role, Zoellick will be influential in helping to shape the administration's broader foreign policy. He was a member of a group of advisers, recruited by current National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice, who worked with Governor Bush to shape his foreign policy as he campaigned for the presidency.