TAIWAN -- (Senate - February 25, 2004)

Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, over recent months, aggressive rhetoric has escalated across the Taiwan Strait. In response to Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian's pledge to hold a nationwide referendum ``to demand that the Taiwan Strait issue be resolved through peaceful means,'' Chinese officials have threatened the use of force. Prime Minister Wen Jiabao of the People's Republic of China has stated that China will ``crush'' any attempts by Taiwan to seek independence and that it will ``pay any price to safeguard the unity of the motherland.'' In addition on November 20, 2003, PRC Major General Wang Zaixi was quoted saying that ``the use of force may become unavoidable'' in dealing with Taiwan. On February 11, 2004, Chinese officials stated the referendum would ``provoke confrontation.''

Threats of violence by the People's Republic of China only undermine efforts to resolve longstanding China-Taiwan tensions. Intimidation and warnings of bloodshed have taken the place of constructive dialogue. I fear that these threats will only intensify as Taiwan's presidential elections on March 20, 2004, draw nearer.

In the midst of this bellicose rhetoric, I express my support for the people of Taiwan and to compliment the Taiwanese people and their leadership for the great strides they have made in strengthening their democracy. Since 2000, with the first peaceful transfer of power from one political party to another in Taiwan's history, Taiwan's democracy has thrived. The U.S. State Department's annual Human Rights Reports for 2002 reported that the government of Taiwan largely respected the independence of both the judiciary and press in practice and stated, ``Taiwan's strides were also notable, with consolidation and improvement of civil liberties catching up to its free and open electoral system.'' Transparency International has ranked Taiwan's economy as one of the five least corrupt in Asia; and Freedom House labeled Taiwan ``free'' in 2003 with an improvement in political rights since 2002. President Chen Shui-bian has also demonstrated a commitment to human rights and is credited with solidifying a place for human rights within Taiwanese society during his presidency. The Human Rights Advisory Committee, established by Chen in 2000, is currently in the process of creating a National Human Rights Commission that will serve as the highest institution in Taiwan for the protection and promotion of human rights.

I remain committed to protecting the civil and political rights of the people of Taiwan , and I support Taiwan's inclusion in international organizations, such as in the World Health Organization, WHO. The recent SARS and avian flu outbreaks highlight the importance of giving the people of Taiwan a voice in these organizations. I agree with claims by Taiwanese authorities that it is inhumane for the international community to deny the people of Taiwan access to WHO's medical data and assistance. Unfortunately, despite congressional efforts, Taiwan has still not been granted observer status. This should change in the coming year.

I fear that provocative statements will have dangerous repercussions in this region of the world. Rather than warn and provoke, I hope that the governments of China and Taiwan will engage in a more constructive dialogue and encourage increased cross-strait people to people linkages. I support a peaceful resolution to the Taiwan -China situation, and I will continue to support policies that keep cross-strait tensions in check.