China's Anti-Secession Law

CHINA'S ANTI-SECESSION LAW -- (Extensions of Remarks - March 10, 2005)

SPEECH OF
HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON
OF MISSISSIPPI
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2005

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I would like to recognize China's National People Congress current meeting in Beijing. One of the most controversial bills under consideration is the Anti-secession Law targeted at Taiwan. If enacted, the law will give Chinese leaders the authority to annex Taiwan by force if Taiwanese leaders are found promoting Taiwan independence. This law is very unfriendly to Taiwan and I understand it has aroused public outcry and protests throughout Taiwan.

Understandably the leaders and people of Taiwan are disturbed by this proposed law. It is their position that Taiwan has never been part of the People's Republic of China. They also feel there is no legal basis or justification for China's territorial claims. I believe the people of Taiwan value a free and democratic way of life and they would like to co-exist with the Chinese people on the mainland peacefully. The economic and cultural relations between Taiwan and China should be developed on the principles of peace, faith, trust and mutual respect.

The proposed law represents a unilateral change of the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and threatens regional peace and security. Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian has said that he is willing to dialogue with the Chinese leaders and discuss issues of mutual interest including eventual reunification of Taiwan and China. Both Taiwan and China desire peace and co-existence, and they should be able to work out their differences without enacting this new law.

Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in urging the Chinese leaders not to enact the Anti-secession law.

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