[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 25 (Monday, March 7, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E372]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CHINA'S PROPOSED ANTI-SECESSION LAW

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                         HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 7, 2005

  Mr. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, the United States maintains and has 
maintained for several decades extensive commercial and cultural 
relations with the people of Taiwan. In this context, I am concerned 
about China's proposed anti-secession law. I understand that the 
premise of this law is that China and Taiwan are now unified and that 
China has the right to punish anyone expressing separatist sentiments 
or engaging in separatist activities. A further concern is that this 
law provides justification for China to legally push for unification of 
Taiwan by force, which is the worst-case scenario.
  Consideration of this proposal is coming at a time when both China 
and Taiwan have taken conciliatory steps toward each other, including 
the initiation of holiday charter flights that begin in late January 
2005, which are the first nonstop commercial air traffic across the 
Taiwan Straight in 55 years, and both China and Taiwan have signaled 
they might be willing to restart talks relating to the status of 
Taiwan.
  Understandably, the 23 million people of Taiwan are very upset over 
this proposed law, for they have lived under a full-fledged democracy 
and enjoyed the highest standards of freedom and human rights. In view 
of the importance of Taiwan to the United States, China and indeed, the 
entire international community, I urge Chinese leaders to exercise 
caution and wisdom and not adopt this confrontation and destabilizing 
approach to Taiwan.
  We do not seek any military confrontation in the Taiwan Strait, now 
or ever. The government of Taiwan has signaled that it stands ready to 
discuss and negotiate any issue with China. Clearly negotiation is the 
most desirable approach, and I urge both China and Taiwan to continue 
progress in this direction.

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