[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21220]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   SUPPORTING TAIWAN'S INDEPENDENCE IN THE FACE OF INCREASED CHINESE 
                                 THREAT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB SCHAFFER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 21, 2002

  Mr. SCHAFFER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of Taiwan, 
and to call upon the leaders of the United States Government to defend 
this democratic nation against any Chinese aggression in this time of 
global crisis. The war on terrorism is, in fact, a war for the 
preservation of democracy, human rights, and freedom--the fundamental 
principles upon which America was built. While terrorism has occupied 
the country's immediate consideration of global security, prudent 
Americans must remember that the clear intention of a totalitarian 
country to conquer a democratic nation is a greater threat with greater 
repercussions.
  China's aggressive posture and clear intention to occupy Taiwan, 
coupled with its recent shift in budgetary priorities toward military 
buildup, is cause for great concern. It threatens the stability of the 
entire region. The additional funding is expected to bolster China's 
missile program and revamp its military into a more offensive force. 
China already has 400 ballistic missiles aimed at Taiwan, and since it 
has threatened the use of force, it is reasonable to assume some of the 
military build up will be used to achieve China's publicly stated 
intentions. This type of foreseeable belligerence cannot be tolerated. 
I am comforted and heartened that U.S. official policy on this question 
clearly obligates our country to responding to such eventual 
belligerence.
  Taiwan continues to be a beacon of democracy in an unstable region. 
Its democratic progress culminated in achieving a peaceful transfer of 
power from a Nationalist government to the freely elected Democratic 
Progressive Party in 2000. Since September 11th, Taiwan has been a 
resolute ally in the War on Terrorism. Moreover, Taiwan has maintained 
its desire for self-determination and international recognition as a 
free nation, despite unyielding pressure from China. The courage of the 
Taiwanese people, and their commitment to democratic principles should 
be recognized and rewarded.
  Mr. Speaker, I call upon the United States Government to maintain its 
long-standing commitment to Taiwan. Additionally, I urge President Bush 
to seek from China, a renunciation of the use of any force, and the 
threat of force, against Taiwan's self-determination.

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