[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 14 (Wednesday, February 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E86]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       CHINESE ANTI-SECESSION LAW

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. VIRGINIA FOXX

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 8, 2006

  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, last spring, China passed the anti-secession 
law to give Chinese leaders the right to use force against Taiwan if 
they suspect separatist activities in Taiwan. In addition to the 
enactment of the antisecession law, China's rapid military build-up has 
given the Taiwanese people a sense of dread. China's deploying more 
than 700 missiles along the southeast coast indicates China still 
stubbornly clings to a military solution of the Taiwan issue. In 
response to China's provocative actions, we need to emphasize that 
military intimidation over Taiwan is no solution to the cross strait 
relations.
  China must learn to respect the aspirations of Taiwan's 23 million 
people who want to be masters of their own land. China has no right to 
change the status quo either through the antisecession law or military 
intimidation. In the meantime, China must not block Taiwan's attempts 
in gaining international recognition or in returning to international 
organizations. Taiwan is a free and democratic nation and deserves to 
be treated properly and with respect by the international community.
  President Chen is a man of peace who does not seek to change the 
status quo in the Taiwan Strait. He has reaffirmed his commitment to 
maintain the status quo on many occasions. In the last 6 years, he has 
kept his pledges and offered many goodwill gestures to China. His goal 
of reducing tension between Taiwan and China remains unchanged. Let's 
hope that China will reciprocate Chen's olive branch by renouncing the 
use of force against Taiwan and resume dialogue on an equal footing and 
without preconditions.

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