Promoting Peace and Stability Through the Repeal of the Antisecession Law

PROMOTING PEACE AND STABILITY THROUGH THE REPEAL OF THE ANTISECESSION LAW -- (Extensions of Remarks - February 08, 2006)

SPEECH OF HON. PETE SESSIONS OF TEXAS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2006

* Mr. SESSIONS. 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 anti-secession law, China's rapid military build-up has given the Taiwanese people a sense of fear. China's deployment of more than 700 missiles along the southeast coast indicates that 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 not a solution to the cross strait relations.

* China must respect the aspirations of Taiwan's 23 million people who want the freedom to determine their own future. China has no justification to change the status quo either through the anti-secession law or military intimidation. Last spring, the House of Representatives went on record in expressing our grave concern over China's anti-secession law by passing H. Con. Res. 98 authored by Chairman HYDE in a vote of 424-4. I was proud to vote for this legislation, and I commend my fellow colleagues for the overwhelming decisive nature of the vote in demonstrating the House's sincere interest in preserving peace in the Taiwan Straits through the ending of the anti-secession law.

* In other important issues, China must not block Taiwan's attempts to gain international recognition or return to international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization. Taiwan is a free and democratic nation and deserves to be treated properly and with respect by the international community. Taiwan's exclusion from the United Nations has deprived the identity of 23 million people.

* President Chen is a man of peace and he has reaffirmed his commitment to maintain the status quo on many occasions. In the last six 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 us hope that China will reciprocate Chen's olive branch by renouncing the use of force against Taiwan and resuming dialogue on an equal footing and without pre-conditions.

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