[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 21 (Friday, February 17, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TAIWAN: LUNAR NEW YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PHIL GINGREY

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 16, 2006

  Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Speaker, last Spring the People's Republic of China 
passed an anti-secession law targeting the Republic of China on Taiwan. 
This law gives Communist leaders the right to use force against Taiwan 
if they suspect separatist activities. In addition to the enactment of 
the anti-secession law, Communist China's rapid military build-up has 
brought substantial concern to the Taiwanese people. With 700 Communist 
missiles posted along the coast of Taiwan, mainland China makes a bold 
statement that military action is a viable possibility. In response to 
China's unilateral change of the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, it is 
my understanding that President Chen has expressed concern about 
Taiwan's future in his Lunar New Year's Day remarks.
  If China really wants to unify Taiwan, it is my hope that they will 
listen to the advice of President Chen who requests mainland China to 
relinquish the use of force, listen to the people of Taiwan, and stop 
obstructing Taiwan from participating in international organizations 
like the United Nations and the World Health Organization. It is also 
my understanding that President Chen has, on many occasions, stated 
that the development of cross-strait relations must conform to the 
principles of sovereignty, democracy, peace and prosperity. China has 
no right by the principle of self-determination to change the status 
quo either through the anti-secession law or military intimidation. 
Like President Chen, I believe Taiwan's future must be made by the free 
will of the 23 million residents of Taiwan.
  Taiwan is a free and democratic nation and deserves to be treated 
properly and with respect from the international community. Exclusion 
from the United Nations has deprived Taiwan its international identity. 
The Republic of China on Taiwan is content on returning to the 
international community and it is speculated that President Chen might 
even reapply to the United Nations under the new name of ``Taiwan.''
  It is my understanding that in the last six years, President Chen has 
not broken any of his pledges and has, in turn, offered many goodwill 
gestures to the People's Republic of China. I believe President Chen's 
remarks deserve our undivided attention and consideration.
  Maintaining the status quo is currently the peaceful alternative and 
it is my understanding that President Chen once again reaffirmed his 
2000 inaugural pledge to maintain status quo with mainland China, not 
declare independence, not change the name of the government, or add any 
other language to the Republic of China's Constitution that promotes an 
independence referendum.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support peace in the region and 
hope that the People's Republic of China will reciprocate President 
Chen's goodwill by renouncing the use of force against Taiwan. However, 
should the need arise, we must not forget our responsibilities under 
the Taiwan Relations Act to make sure the Republic of China on Taiwan 
has the military capability to defend itself and assert its free voice 
to the international community.

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