Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, An editorial in the New York Times this morning reads `China Threatens Taiwan.' My Taiwanese-American constituents are extremely concerned about this news. And so am I.
According to yesterday's New York Times, Beijing has redeployed forces from other parts of the country to the coastal areas facing Taiwan and set up new command structures for various kinds of military action against Taiwan. The article quotes a Chinese official as asserting that China could act military against Taiwan without fear of intervention by the United States because American leaders care more about Los Angeles than they do about Taiwan. This statement can be interpreted as an indirect threat by China to use nuclear weapons against the United States.
This past July and August, China already carried out a series of surface-to-surface ballistic missiles, live artillery, and joint air and sea forces combat exercises in the seas 80 miles off the coast of Taiwan. And China now vows to hold more rounds of military exercises. Allegedly, the People's Liberation Army has prepared plans for a missile attack against Taiwan consisting of one conventional missile strike a day for 30 days. These strikes will take place just after this March's Presidential elections. The first democratic and direct Presidential elections in Taiwan's history.
Indeed, China has threatened to use force against Taiwan under various scenarios, including the election of a President who does not support unification with China, and second, a declaration of independence, even if that declaration is the outcome of a democratic process such as a plebiscite or democratic elections.
The United States must reject military bullying from Beijing. Not only that; in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, any threat to the peace and security of Taiwan is of grave concern to the United States. The act explicitly states that the United States is obliged to make available to Taiwan such defense articles and defense services in such quantity as may be necessary to enable Taiwan to maintain a sufficient defense capability. Article section 2(a)(5) of the act reads, and I quote, `It is the policy of the United States, to provide Taiwan with arms of a defensive character.'
Peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits is in the political, security, and economic interest of the United States. United States interests are served by supporting democracy abroad. It is therefore necessary that the U.S. reaffirms its safety and security commitment to the people of Taiwan.
The U.S. should declare that any attempt by China to threaten the peace and security of Taiwan is a threat to peace and security in the Pacific and a matter of grade concern to the United States.
The United States should call upon the President of the United States to review the defense needs of Taiwan, under the terms of the Taiwan Relations Act, and act accordingly.
The United States should reaffirm that it is the right of the people of Taiwan to determine the future status of Taiwan without any interference from China.