[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 46 (Friday, March 21, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E546]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           A THREAT TO TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEVEN R. ROTHMAN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 20, 2003

  Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have serious concerns regarding the 
constant threat to Taiwan from missiles in China, and the signal that 
this military buildup sends to both the people of China and the people 
of Taiwan about the eventual peaceful resolution to the Taiwan dispute.
  Currently, there are more than 400 Chinese missiles targeted on 
Taiwan, with fifty or more being added each year. Also, China has 
devised strategies to destroy Taiwan's political, communications, and 
production centers within days. What is even more menacing is that 
China has reiterated that it will use force against Taiwan if Taiwan 
refuses to accept China's ``one country, two systems'' unification 
formula.
  I believe that China's intimidation of Taiwan questions its 
seriousness about being considered a major world power. China must not 
ignore Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian's repeated pleas for resumption 
of a cross-strait dialogue. If war breaks out in the Taiwan Strait, 
China, Taiwan and the rest of the countries in the Asian Pacific will 
all suffer irreparable economic and political damage.
  We in the United States feel most strongly that a military clash in 
the Taiwan Strait must be avoided. I call upon the Chinese government 
to dismantle the hundreds of missiles targeting Taiwan and to embrace 
peace in managing its relations with Taiwan.

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