[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 44 (Thursday, March 12, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H3379]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 CONDEMNING THE ACTIONS OF THE CHINESE

  (Mr. FORBES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, 5 days ago, a U.S. naval vessel was 
traveling in international waters 70 miles off the coast of China when 
it was harassed by a Chinese frigate that went dangerously across its 
bow. Shortly thereafter, it was buzzed by a Chinese maritime aircraft 
and a demand was given for that vessel to leave international waters or 
suffer the consequences. When it tried to do so, there was an attempt 
made to stop it, and then five Chinese vessels harassed it.
  Mr. Speaker, yesterday we passed a resolution condemning Chinese 
actions for harassment for the people of Tibet. I filed a resolution 
that would condemn these actions and make sure that we understand the 
message the Chinese government was sending to us through these actions 
was very clear. So far, I question whether we have sent a response that 
has equal clarity.
  I hope that the Members of this House will join in this resolution 
and let those individuals on that vessel know that we are standing 
behind them in condemning these actions that were taken by the Chinese 
government.

                          ____________________