Chinese Anti-Secession Law

CHINESE ANTI-SECESSION LAW -- (Extensions of Remarks - February 08, 2006)

SPEECH OF HON. VIRGINIA FOXX OF NORTH CAROLINA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2006

* Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, last spring, China passed the anti-secession law to give Chinese leaders the right to use force against Taiwan if they suspect separatist activities in Taiwan. In addition to the enactment of the antisecession law, China's rapid military build-up has given the Taiwanese people a sense of dread. China's deploying more than 700 missiles along the southeast coast indicates China still stubbornly clings to a military solution of the Taiwan issue. In response to China's provocative actions, we need to emphasize that military intimidation over Taiwan is no solution to the cross strait relations.

* China must learn to respect the aspirations of Taiwan's 23 million people who want to be masters of their own land. China has no right to change the status quo either through the antisecession law or military intimidation. In the meantime, China must not block Taiwan's attempts in gaining international recognition or in returning to international organizations. Taiwan is a free and democratic nation and deserves to be treated properly and with respect by the international community.

* President Chen is a man of peace who does not seek to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. He has reaffirmed his commitment to maintain the status quo on many occasions. In the last 6 years, he has kept his pledges and offered many goodwill gestures to China. His goal of reducing tension between Taiwan and China remains unchanged. Let's hope that China will reciprocate Chen's olive branch by renouncing the use of force against Taiwan and resume dialogue on an equal footing and without preconditions.

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