[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 30 (Thursday, March 16, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E332]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          IN SUPPORT OF TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 16, 2000

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, prior to Taiwan's second presidential 
election on March 18, the People's Republic of China increased its 
rhetoric and essentially gave Taiwan an ultimatum--to start 
reunification talks or risk invasion. Such hostile rhetoric from 
Beijing has evoked strong responses in both Taipei and Washington. The 
people in Taiwan are more determined than ever to disregard Beijing's 
dire warnings and reject Beijing's ``one country, two systems'' formula 
that governed the return of Hong Kong and Macao. The people of Taiwan 
would have to see a genuine Western-style democracy take hold in China 
before serious reunification talks could begin. In Washington, both 
administration officials and lawmakers have warned China that any 
action against Taiwan would be a matter of grave concern to the United 
States.
  As a strong supporter of Taiwan's vibrant democracy, I believe we 
must do all we can to ensure that the voters in Taiwan are guaranteed 
the right to freely elect their president this March 18, and that China 
must not interfere in Taiwan's electoral process. I know that I, and 
many of my colleagues, become incensed when China repeatedly threatens 
its small and democratic neighbor--particularly during an election 
year. We certainly consider China's latest threats against Taiwan 
unwarranted, untimely, and unwise.
  I am proud of the long-standing friendly relations between the United 
States and Taiwan, and I believe its time to show support for our 
friend.

                          ____________________