DATE: February 22, 2000
 FOR RELEASE: Immediate

 GILMAN STATEMENT ON BEIJING'S INTIMIDATION OF TAIWAN

 WASHINGTON (Feb. 22) - U.S. Rep. Benjamin A. Gilman (20th-NY), Chairman of the House International Relations Committee, released the following statement today:

 "I am deeply concerned about China's latest effort to intimidate Taiwan.  It is a clear example of how the Clinton administration has led Beijing to believe the United States will not stand behind its moral and security commitments to Taiwan.

 "The administration's policy of accommodation toward Beijing is proving to be ineffective and is destabilizing the region.  A firmer stance toward Beijing is required."