[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 21 (Tuesday, March 1, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E316]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF THE RECENT UNITED STATES-JAPAN JOINT STATEMENT ON 
                                 TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 1, 2005

  Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, in the most significant alteration since 
1996 to the United States-Japan Security Alliance, the United States 
and Japan listed in a joint statement on February 19 the peaceful 
resolution of the Taiwan Strait issue as a ``common strategic 
objective.''
  It goes without saying that Taiwan welcomed the move; China on the 
other hand responded in an irate fashion.
  The joint statement comes at a time when China's continued refusal to 
renounce the use of force against Taiwan is already highlighted by 
China's announcement 2 months ago that it will enact its so-called 
``Anti-Secession Law'' in the beginning of March--a law which may be 
used to justify a military attack on Taiwan if Taiwan formally declares 
independence.
  Additionally, China published a Defense Policy White Paper in which 
it threatened to ``crush'' Taiwan if the island declares independence, 
and in which it states that it is the ``sacred responsibility'' of the 
PRC army to stop Taiwan from ``splitting the country.''
  The ``Taiwan Relations Act,'' which has regulated the United States-
Taiwan relationship since 1979, specifically states that the United 
States decision to establish diplomatic relations with China in 1979 
rests upon the expectation that the future of Taiwan will be determined 
by peaceful means; and that the United States considers any effort to 
determine the future of Taiwan by other than peaceful means a threat to 
the peace and security of the Western Pacific area and of grave concern 
to the United States.
  This ``Anti-Secession Law'' is a threat to the peace and security of 
the Western Pacific, and therefore of grave concern to the United 
States. I believe it is crucial that we and Japan publicly oppose 
China's Anti-Secession Law and its Defense White Paper, for these 
constitute an extremely aggressive move against Taiwan.
  Mr. Speaker, United States policy must remain clear that nobody but 
the people of Taiwan has the right to determine the future of Taiwan. I 
ask that my colleagues join me in applauding the recent joint statement 
by the United States and Japan, and reaffirming our continued support 
for the people of Taiwan.

                          ____________________