[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 28 (Thursday, March 10, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E404]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       CHINA'S ANTI-SECESSION LAW

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                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 10, 2005

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I would like to recognize 
China's National People Congress current meeting in Beijing. One of the 
most controversial bills under consideration is the Anti-secession Law 
targeted at Taiwan. If enacted, the law will give Chinese leaders the 
authority to annex Taiwan by force if Taiwanese leaders are found 
promoting Taiwan independence. This law is very unfriendly to Taiwan 
and I understand it has aroused public outcry and protests throughout 
Taiwan.
  Understandably the leaders and people of Taiwan are disturbed by this 
proposed law. It is their position that Taiwan has never been part of 
the People's Republic of China. They also feel there is no legal basis 
or justification for China's territorial claims. I believe the people 
of Taiwan value a free and democratic way of life and they would like 
to co-exist with the Chinese people on the mainland peacefully. The 
economic and cultural relations between Taiwan and China should be 
developed on the principles of peace, faith, trust and mutual respect.
  The proposed law represents a unilateral change of the status quo in 
the Taiwan Strait and threatens regional peace and security. Taiwan 
President Chen Shui-bian has said that he is willing to dialogue with 
the Chinese leaders and discuss issues of mutual interest including 
eventual reunification of Taiwan and China. Both Taiwan and China 
desire peace and co-existence, and they should be able to work out 
their differences without enacting this new law.
  Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in urging the Chinese leaders not 
to enact the Anti-secession law.

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