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[Page: S2077]

Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I would like to continue relative to the matter that the Senator from Wyoming and I discussed, because I think we have seen an extraordinary series of events take place. I am referring specifically to the fact that on the 23d of March, free elections will take place in Taiwan.

It is significant that we have seen an extraordinary activity as evidenced by Beijing who has seen fit to harass the process, threaten the Taiwanese with a military presence, missile threats, as well as naval activity of significant merit.

The consequences of that effort seem to have been misdirected, however, because President Li, who is running for reelection, in the sense that these would be free elections, is in a situation where he has been attacked by the Government of Beijing, time and time again, as fostering independence for Taiwan.

Yet, the Taiwanese know, and most of us who have followed the election process are aware, he is not the candidate of independence. Dr. Peng is the candidate of independence. The people in Taiwan are aware of the distinction. As a consequence, Mr. President, as they have continued their attacks on President Li, it has rallied the support of the Taiwanese people around President Li.

I can only assume that the attack against President Li was directed in hopes that somehow he would receive less than perhaps 50 percent of the vote. Well, we will have to see what percentage of the vote he will ultimately receive. But clearly the attacks seem to have helped President Li's popularity in Taiwan. I was recently over there, about 3 weeks ago, and had an opportunity to meet with various officials, including President Li.

One of the other interesting things, as a consequence of the presence of the PRC in the election process in Taiwan, is an extraordinary realization and identification of Taiwan as a significant voice in international affairs. Now it seems that there is more concern being leveled by Beijing against Taiwan's prominence. Taiwan is called upon to participate in humanitarian contributions and various activities by international organizations. They clearly are one of the most prosperous countries in the world, having the highest per capita capital reserves of virtually any other nation.

So what we see today is the perplexing situation where, on one hand, we have the focus of a democracy initiating its first free elections, a real concern internally by the Chinese leadership as to what role they should play with their renegade province, recognizing that next year Hong Kong is basically within the total control of China, when 1997 comes, and in 1997 the people's Congress will meet to basically set the parameters for the next 5 years and the hierarchy of the leadership in China.

We do not know what the mindset of that leadership is. We can only guess. But it is fair to say that their extreme views of what should be done--and as we look at the capability of the M-9 missile and the accuracy of that missile to be launched from within China to targets on either end of Taiwan, southern

and northern target areas, and we note the capability of the naval activities, clearly, there has been a strong signal sent.

The difficulty in trying to determine just how this is ultimately going to play out, I think, deserves the action that was proposed tonight by my friend from Wyoming, and that is a reaffirmation of the Taiwan Relations Act. As I said earlier and we discussed in our colloquy, the President of the United States has an obligation to come before the Congress if, indeed, in his opinion, the national security interests of Taiwan are in jeopardy. I think the President and the administration's actions so far are to be commended. We have, by our display of naval power, intelligence and other assets, basically reinforced our commitments to the Taiwan Relations Act.

There are a couple of other significant events that probably should be noted, Mr. President, and that is the reality that initially the Chinese indicated they would cease their missile tests on the 15th. Further, they would cease their naval activities on the 20th. And, of course, we have the date of the 23d for the free democratic elections in Taiwan.

So I think we will have to watch those dates very closely, Mr. President, to see if, indeed, the Chinese are serious in terminating the missile activities, terminating the naval activities on the dates that they have stated. If they do not, why, clearly they intend to escalate the tensions that are now in existence. And, as a consequence, Mr. President, I fear for the ultimate disposition because the Taiwan Relations Act mandates that the resolve of China and the issues of China with regard to its two provinces, particularly Taiwan, will be by peaceful means.

So I guess we will just have to wait and see what the ultimate outcome of this is as each day goes by, but I think it is most appropriate this body reaffirm the terms and conditions of the Taiwan Relations Act. We have already seen, under the terms of that act, the ability of the Taiwanese to seek military assistance in the form of purchases for their defensive needs--I want to stress defensive needs--as a prerequisite of the Taiwan Relations Act. That activity has been carried out by the United States on a decreasing dollar amount. We have the request for some of the higher technological capabilities associated with the Patriot missile system as an antiballistic missile defense.

There are some of us in the Congress that feel perhaps this is the time to escalate those sales and offer the people of Taiwan the psychological assurance, as well as the real assurance, of what that type of technology should be. This

Senator from Alaska is reserving his firm opinions on that depending on what the situation is as we approach these dates of significance relative to a determination of whether or not Beijing simply wants to show its strength with regard to Taiwan or whether we can expect an extended period of tensions.

In my meetings with President Li, I had the assurance that after the elections, assuming President Li were elected, that he would initiate communications with Beijing in an attempt to reduce tensions. I think that that will occur. My concern is what price Beijing may demand of Taiwan with regard to easing those tensions.

So I will encourage my friend again from Wyoming to pursue the resolution that is before this body that unfortunately we were unable to bring up tonight because of objection on the other side. I would again hope that some of my colleagues on the other side who have raised these objections would come before this body so that we might enter into a discussion, because obviously, if there are issues that the Senator from Alaska is not aware of that are appropriate, why, they should be considered.

If it is objection for the sake of objection, why, indeed, that is an unfortunate set of circumstances. I hope my friend from Wyoming will renew the request on the next vehicle. I will certainly look forward to joining him.

Mr. President, I yield the floor. I see some of my colleagues seeking recognition.

[Page: S2078]

Mr. BUMPERS addressed the Chair.

The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Arkansas.

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