[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 33 (Thursday, March 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E514]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       CHINA'S ANTI-SECESSION LAW

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. W. TODD AKIN

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 17, 2005

  Mr. AKIN. Mr. Speaker, in December, the Standing Committee of the 
Chinese National People's Congress announced its intention to include 
an ``anti-secession law'' in its legislative agenda. This law would 
define China and Taiwan as a unified country, and unilaterally change 
mainland China's legal approach to status of Taiwan. This is an 
unwelcome and provocative action that would increase, rather than calm, 
tensions in the region.
  In 1949, China and Taiwan were separated by civil war, each 
establishing its own form of government. Taiwan has never been a part 
of the People's Republic of China, much to the dismay of Beijing.
  If the legislation passes, Beijing will be usurping all diplomatic 
efforts and simply declaring that its desired outcome is the only 
acceptable alternative to the current impasse. China has been claiming 
that this legislation is a reflection of its sincere desire to solve 
this dispute peacefully, and to maintain Taiwan's stability and 
prosperity. But Beijing real motivation is clear: China is laying the 
legal groundwork for forcible unification. And far from solving the 
dispute peacefully, passage of this law is tantamount to a demand. If 
unification is to occur, it must be through peaceful negotiation and 
without the threat of military action.
  Understandably, the Taiwanese people are alarmed by China's action. 
Self-ruled Taiwan cannot be expected to accept such an affront to the 
legitimacy of its government and the self-determination of the 
Taiwanese people. Taiwan's government has said that if the anti-
secession law passes, Taiwan would be forced to respond with a law 
against annexation by the People's Republic of China. This is entirely 
reasonable, as any free people would affirm their opposition to the 
imperialistic claims of another power.
  Our country must make its deep displeasure with an ``anti-secession 
law'' known to the world and, most specifically, to the Communist 
leaders on the mainland. In The Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, the 
United States committed to aiding Taiwan against any unilateral attempt 
by China to unify Taiwan with the mainland. This responsibility is not 
only a legal one. Taiwan is a budding democracy, and the people have 
participated in multi-party democratic elections since 1996. By 
contrast, China is a repressive regime that denies its citizens the 
essential freedoms of religion, political dissent and representative 
self-government. It is our responsibility, morally and legally, to 
stand with Taiwan against Communist aggression and unsound Chinese law.