[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 107 (Wednesday, June 28, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9231-S9232]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       MILITARY BUILDUP IN CHINA

  Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, on a totally separate subject, I have 
been concerned about the military buildup by China. I cannot understand 
who China views as its enemy. I cannot understand why China is not only 
building up its nuclear arsenal, but also proliferating ballistic 
missile technology to countries like Iran and Pakistan. China should be 
concerned about the 

[[Page S9232]]
potential for a nuclear arms race by Islamic nations in South Asia and 
the Middle East. Indeed, if that does occur, if Iran does join the 
nuclear club, Israel will certainly react.
  So the point I am making is I think the President can use my 
initiative not just to solve one of our foreign policy problems as it 
relates to Pakistan. He can use it to show our continued friendship 
with Taiwan. Taiwan is a democracy and a growing economic power in the 
Pacific. Taiwan usually is on our side 100 percent, even though we do 
not treat its leaders that way when they come here. Our relationship 
with Taiwan is one of the ironies of history.
  My initiative sends a signal to the Chinese that we are going to be 
tough in that region and we will look after our allies, and that 
includes the Philippines, which would also get eleven of the F-16's 
under my initiative.
  As I said earlier, my initiative is a bold step, but it is a partial 
solution. It is a step forward. I am glad that President Clinton has 
apparently begun to embrace this concept, to explore with these 
countries to see if we can get the F-16's out to Taiwan and the 
Philippines. Again, it is an initiative that can get some money back to 
Pakistan, although I would not necessarily guarantee full compensation 
because frankly, Pakistan had their eyes open when they went into this 
deal. Further, the Government of Pakistan was not being candid with the 
President of the United States at that time about what was going on in 
their nuclear program.
  Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, I yield the floor. I suggest the absence 
of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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