China's Proposed Anti-Secession Law

CHINA'S PROPOSED ANTI-SECESSION LAW -- (Extensions of Remarks - February 15, 2005)

SPEECH OF
HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON
OF IDAHO
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2005

· Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in expressing my grave concern over China's proposed anti-secession law. This highly provocative law greatly increases the risk of a military confrontation across the Taiwan Strait. Specifically, it assumes China and Taiwan are now unified, and it gives China the right to punish anyone expressing separatist sentiments or engaging in separatist activities. Ultimately, China may use force to push for unification with Taiwan, a scenario we all must work to prevent. This law would have serious consequences for relations between China and Taiwan, and it would threaten stability in the region.

· In my district, Idaho State University has developed a unique program, the only program of its kind in the United States, to provide a language and cultural education program for junior diplomatic officers in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I have spent time discussing the American political system and current events in Taiwan with the junior diplomats, and they have repeatedly expressed their country's desire to avoid confrontation with China. These students look to the United States as a model of freedom and democracy.

· Mr. Speaker, we do not need military confrontation in the Taiwan Strait now or anytime in the future. I urge the Chinese leaders to reject the anti-secession law, and I hope the international community will join us in voicing their disapproval of this provocative and dangerous law. Inaction by the United States will only serve to encourage China to escalate its political rhetoric and belligerent action against the democratic Taiwan.

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