[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 10 (Thursday, January 25, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E88]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         CHINA THREATENS TAIWAN

                                 ______


                           HON. SHERROD BROWN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 25, 1996

  Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, An editorial in the New York Times 
this morning reads ``China Threatens Taiwan.'' My Taiwanese-American 
constituents are extremely concerned about this news. And so am I.
  According to yesterday's New York Times, Beijing has redeployed 
forces from other parts of the country to the coastal areas facing 
Taiwan and set up new command structures for various kinds of military 
action against Taiwan. The article quotes a Chinese official as 
asserting that China could act military against Taiwan without fear of 
intervention by the United States because American leaders care more 
about Los Angeles than they do about Taiwan. This statement can be 
interpreted as an indirect threat by China to use nuclear weapons 
against the United States.
  This past July and August, China already carried out a series of 
surface-to-surface ballistic missiles, live artillery, and joint air 
and sea forces combat exercises in the seas 80 miles off the coast of 
Taiwan. And China now vows to hold more rounds of military exercises. 
Allegedly, the People's Liberation Army has prepared plans for a 
missile attack against Taiwan consisting of one conventional missile 
strike a day for 30 days. These strikes will take place just after this 
March's Presidential elections. The first democratic and direct 
Presidential elections in Taiwan's history.
  Indeed, China has threatened to use force against Taiwan under 
various scenarios, including the election of a President who does not 
support unification with China, and second, a declaration of 
independence, even if that declaration is the outcome of a democratic 
process such as a plebiscite or democratic elections.
  The United States must reject military bullying from Beijing. Not 
only that; in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, any 
threat to the peace and security of Taiwan is of grave concern to the 
United States. The act explicitly states that the United States is 
obliged to make available to Taiwan such defense articles and defense 
services in such quantity as may be necessary to enable Taiwan to 
maintain a sufficient defense capability. Article section 2(a)(5) of 
the act reads, and I quote, ``It is the policy of the United States, to 
provide Taiwan with arms of a defensive character.''
  Peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits is in the political, 
security, and economic interest of the United States. United States 
interests are served by supporting democracy abroad. It is therefore 
necessary that the U.S. reaffirms its safety and security commitment to 
the people of Taiwan.
  The U.S. should declare that any attempt by China to threaten the 
peace and security of Taiwan is a threat to peace and security in the 
Pacific and a matter of grade concern to the United States.
  The United States should call upon the President of the United States 
to review the defense needs of Taiwan, under the terms of the Taiwan 
Relations Act, and act accordingly.
  The United States should reaffirm that it is the right of the people 
of Taiwan to determine the future status of Taiwan without any 
interference from China.

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