OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

China's Proposed Anti-Secession Law

Date: Feb. 18, 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Foreign Affairs


CHINA'S PROPOSED ANTI-SECESSION LAW -- (Extensions of Remarks - February 18, 2005)

SPEECH OF
HON. GREGORY W. MEEKS
OF NEW YORK
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2005

Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to join my colleagues in expressing my strong concern regarding China's proposed Anti-Secession Law. This unilateral initiative by the People's Republic of China, PRC, is a very provocative move that could permanently destroy the balance in the Taiwan Strait.

This proposed law, which will be voted on as early as March in the full Chinese National People's Congress, is more than just propaganda. The law assumes that China and Taiwan are now unified and that China has the rights to punish anyone expressing separatist sentiments or engaging in separatist activities. Ultimately, China can legally pursue unification of Taiwan by military force.

Because I believe this will challenge the wishes of the 23 million people of Taiwan who have chosen a democratic system of governance, I sincerely urge Chinese leaders to abide by the wishes of the Taiwanese people and not adopt the Anti-Secession Law this March. I also urge the international community to join us in voicing their disapproval of this confrontational law.

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