[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 26 (Tuesday, March 8, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E378-E379]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       CHINESE ANTI-SECESSION LAW

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. CONNIE MACK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 8, 2005

  Mr. MACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong opposition 
to China's proposed anti-secession law--a highly provocative measure 
which will further increase tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
  Earlier this week, Premier Wen Jiabao spoke to the about 3000 
delegates from all across China at the Great Hall of the People in 
Beijing. In Premier Wen's speech, he said the law reflects the ``strong 
determination of the Chinese people to . . . never allow secessionist 
forces working for Taiwan independence to separate from China.'' The 
proposed law ignores reality and assumes that China and Taiwan are now 
unified.
  The law authorizes an attack if Taiwan moves toward formal 
independence. Simply put, it would give China the legal authority that 
China has been seeking to push for reunification of Taiwan by force, if 
necessary. The majority of the 23 million people of Taiwan view

[[Page E379]]

this proposed law as hostile and unnecessary. China already has 
hundreds of missiles pointed at Taiwan. Passage of this law will only 
further already tense relations across the Strait.
  The people of Taiwan live in a vibrant democracy and enjoy one of the 
highest standards of living in the world. Taiwan is a beacon of freedom 
and an engine of prosperity in eastern Asia.
  Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the right of the Taiwanese people to 
live in a free and democratic society. This proposed law threatens 
Taiwan's freedom, its security, and its prosperity. During President 
George W. Bush's address earlier this year, he said ``when you stand 
for liberty, we will stand with you.'' I urge my colleagues to stand 
for freedom and liberty and to stand with the people of Taiwan in its 
opposition to the Chinese anti-secession law.

                          ____________________