[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 15, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E238]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  CHINA'S PROPOSED ANTI-SECESSION LAW

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                        HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 15, 2005

  Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in expressing my grave 
concern over China's proposed anti-secession law. This highly 
provocative law greatly increases the risk of a military confrontation 
across the Taiwan Strait. Specifically, it assumes China and Taiwan are 
now unified, and it gives China the right to punish anyone expressing 
separatist sentiments or engaging in separatist activities. Ultimately, 
China may use force to push for unification with Taiwan, a scenario we 
all must work to prevent. This law would have serious consequences for 
relations between China and Taiwan, and it would threaten stability in 
the region.
  In my district, Idaho State University has developed a unique 
program, the only program of its kind in the United States, to provide 
a language and cultural education program for junior diplomatic 
officers in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I have spent time 
discussing the American political system and current events in Taiwan 
with the junior diplomats, and they have repeatedly expressed their 
country's desire to avoid confrontation with China. These students look 
to the United States as a model of freedom and democracy.
  Mr. Speaker, we do not need military confrontation in the Taiwan 
Strait now or anytime in the future. I urge the Chinese leaders to 
reject the anti-secession law, and I hope the international community 
will join us in voicing their disapproval of this provocative and 
dangerous law. Inaction by the United States will only serve to 
encourage China to escalate its political rhetoric and belligerent 
action against the democratic Taiwan.

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