[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 147 (Thursday, November 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2015]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 CHINA'S MILITARY THREAT AGAINST TAIWAN

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                         HON. EARL F. HILLIARD

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 13, 2002

  Mr. HILLIARD. Mr. Speaker, it seems Beijing is applying a two-pronged 
Taiwan policy. On one hand, Beijing talks peace about Taiwan. It 
demands Taiwan accept their ``one country, two systems'' formula of 
unification. This is their soft prong. If Taiwan is unwilling to 
negotiate peace under this formula, there is the hard prong--Beijing 
continuing to conduct military exercises around Taiwan. In fact, in 
recent months, Beijing has deployed 400 tactical guided missiles on 
China's eastern coast, less than 200 miles from Taiwan. As 
sophisticated weapons, these missiles can hit targets in Taiwan easily.
  Beijing's undisguised military intimidations against Taiwan pose a 
serious threat to the well-being of the 23 million people on Taiwan. 
After all, Republic of China President Chen Shui-bian has assured 
Chinese leaders that he wants a structured, constructive cross-strait 
relationship, setting no preconditions for resumption of talks. He has 
continued to express his good will, exercising utmost restraint to 
avoid provoking China while liberalizing restrictions on socioeconomic 
ties between Taiwan and China.
  Unfortunately China has chosen to ignore President Chen's overtures, 
continued its efforts to interfere with democratic elections on Taiwan, 
suppressed Taiwan's activities in the international community and 
threatened Taiwan with military force.
  I, however, hope that China will realize that it is good for people 
on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to live in peace, that China should 
allow Taiwan to be an equal partner in trade and commerce to China, 
since both China and Taiwan are now members of the World Trade 
Organization and that any military action against Taiwan will lead to 
chaos and destruction for many countries in the region.
  For peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, I urge China to 
withdraw its missiles and reduce its stockpile. This is a constructive 
step to avert an arms race and military confrontation. I am pleased to 
see that the European Parliament has taken steps to urge China to de-
escalate tension in the Taiwan Strait, and I hope other countries and 
other members of Congress will issue similar pleas to China.

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